Pennsylvania Chairman Zimmer Issues Statement on NCAA Settlement

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mark Zimmer, chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), today issued the following statement in reaction to the NCAA's decision to withdraw its objections to the Endowment Act, or Act 1 of 2013, which directs PCCD to expend the $60 million monetary penalty imposed on the Pennsylvania State University to aid the victims of child sexual abuse:

"I am extremely pleased that the NCAA has made the decision to step back from its legal challenge and allow the Endowment Act to move forward. The children of Pennsylvania who have and continue to suffer at the hands of the monsters who sexually assault them will finally receive resources to help them. Children's advocacy centers and investigators, prosecutors, medical professionals and victim service providers will get additional tools to directly help these most vulnerable of victims.

"Getting ready for this possibility has been a priority for me and PCCD since Senator Jake Corman's Endowment Act was signed into law by Governor Corbett. The Commission created, and the legislature statutorily authorized, the Children's Advocacy Center Advisory Committee for the purpose of bringing together experts in the multiple disciplines needed to help treat and prevent child sexual abuse victims as well as effectively investigate and prosecute child abuse. PCCD is ready to help right now and direct funds from the Endowment Act to those who need it most."

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's mission is to enhance the quality and coordination of criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of our communities. For more information, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us or call 717-705-0888.

Media contact: Luanne Melia, PCCD, 717-705-0888

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency