My name is anonymous, and I am a survivor of domestic violence and stalking. Tormented, drugged repeatedly, and forced into unimaginable situations—this is a glimpse into my past. Sadly, my story is not unique.

I was adopted by an abusive narcissist as an infant, and groomed at a young age to tolerate severe abuse and neglect. I was able to get myself out and placed into foster care after sending a plea to the Judge in Darke County Ohio in 1999.

While in foster care in Trotwood and Union, Ohio, I was repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted. I finally reported my foster brother in 2001, and I was moved to a new foster home.

After leaving foster care, I got a job at the McDonald’s in Englewood in 2002, and relocated to Centerville Ohio where there was a burglary and I was trapped in the walk-in with my attacker who sexually assaulted me.

I fled from place to place until I was kidnapped in Dayton, Ohio in 2006-2007, and my trauma was so deep that I ended up marrying a narcissistic predator thinking I had escaped. I got lost along the way after being drugged against my will, my only thoughts were to protect my children. He knew it was legal to drug and rape your spouse in Ohio, but I’m sure we can’t be his only victims. I want justice for my children who have been victimized over and over at his hands.

When fleeing a domestic violence sexual assault situation with my ex-husband, Shelby County, Ohio Child services did not investigate properly and social services worker Emily Bender, provided false statements to the Huber Heights Police Department. Due to severe PTSD and panic attacks I lost custody of my two children to our abuser and for the case to be closed without a second glance.

Due to systemic system failures and inadequate counsel from the start of my divorce proceedings, I have not had the finances to take our abuser back to court.

That's why we need our judicial systems to protect potential victims by ensuring all individuals accused of sexual assault are electronically monitored—not only during court proceedings, but regardless of conviction or acquittal. Shockingly, many predators walk free due to insufficient evidence or inadequate prosecution. To bridge this gap, we must implement stricter and more comprehensive contingency plans.

Consider this: one in five women and one in 71 men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). An electronic monitoring mechanism for potential sexual predators has the power to significantly reduce these worrying statistics, provide victims the assurance of safety, and aid in the collection of incriminating evidence against the offenders.

The creation of a safe society for individuals like me, and those who might be potential targets, is not an option. It's an imperative. By signing this petition, you are taking a stand against sexual violence and promoting a proactive change in our justice system. Sign now and champion the cause of numerous silent sufferers. Lend your voice to them and make a difference today.

Megan Shanahan

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