WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Karl A. Racine today voiced his respect for Councilmember David Grosso, following Grosso’s public disclosure that, as a minor, he was abused by a clergyman assigned to Saint Francis de Sales Church in Purcellville, Va. CM Grosso is a survivor and his cooperation with law enforcement authorities in Virginia is helping to bring his abuser to justice.

“Councilmember David Grosso has shown extraordinary courage by speaking truth to power when he publicly disclosed that, as a child, he was sexually assaulted by an adult clergyman. Sexual assault and abuse are horrible crimes that can scar survivors for the rest of their lives—and no one should ever have to experience such pain. In working with authorities, CM Grosso confronted his abuser and held him accountable. Indeed, CM Grosso’s courage likely put an end to his abuser’s harmful conduct.

“As a legislator, CM Grosso has always stood up for children and survivors. It has been an honor to work with him to strengthen the District’s protections for children, such as extending the statute of limitations for violations of the District’s child abuse mandatory reporting law. I thank CM Grosso for his partnership and contributions to enhance critically important protections for the most vulnerable people in our community.”

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for the District of Columbia enforces the District’s child abuse mandatory reporting laws, including physical and sexual abuse. More information about the District’s mandatory reporting laws and who is required to report abuse to the authorities is available at: https://oag.dc.gov/public-safety/reporting-child-abuse-what-know

OAG also represents the interests of District children when they are abused or neglected through its Family Services Division. Learn more about the Family Services Division at: https://oag.dc.gov/about-oag/our-structure-divisions/about-family-services-division