New York City, a beacon of diversity and resilience, is now facing a growing safety crisis. Unprovoked assaults and random acts of violence have reached alarming levels, putting everyone at risk. While men, children, and seniors have been victims, women are disproportionately the primary targets of these escalating attacks. This cannot continue. It’s time to demand change and reclaim safety for all who call this city home.

My name is Kelly Dillon. I am a journalist, podcast host, and traffic reporter with 1010 WINS. On August 14th, 2024, I became a victim of this rising violence when I was randomly attacked on a New York City street leaving work. That traumatic experience compelled me to investigate this growing trend, and what I discovered is deeply troubling: the number of assaults, particularly against women, has risen dramatically, yet these incidents are often dismissed, underreported, or misrepresented in manipulated crime statistics.

Through my investigative podcast series, Warrior of Truth, I’ve interviewed survivors who share stories of being ignored or dismissed by law enforcement, receiving no follow-up, or facing systemic failures at every turn. These attacks are not isolated events—they reflect a dangerous trend of growing violence, exacerbated by systemic neglect and gaps in public safety measures.

In my interviews with NYPD detectives, many have expressed that they’ve never seen crime like this before—random, unprovoked attacks with no clear motivation. They’ve revealed that a lack of funding and severe manpower shortages are preventing them from conducting thorough investigations and addressing this crisis effectively, leaving victims without justice and communities without protection.

https://kellydillon.com/journalism/

https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/warrior-of-truth--6035153

While this crisis affects everyone, women remain the main targets. The violence is indiscriminate, with perpetrators from diverse backgrounds, ages, and circumstances. Many assaults occur without robbery or other clear motivation, leaving victims and communities in fear of unpredictable, senseless violence.

City officials have repeatedly downplayed the rising violence in our communities, prioritizing image over action and failing to address the safety crisis head-on. Their inaction and refusal to take this growing problem seriously leave residents vulnerable, with repeat offenders roaming free and victims ignored. It's time we demand accountability from those entrusted with our safety. We must hold them responsible for their failure to protect us and push for immediate, meaningful changes to ensure the safety of everyone in our city.

The violence continues to escalate each week, with new reports of unprovoked attacks surfacing at an alarming rate. What began as isolated incidents has now become a troubling trend, with no sign of slowing down. Each week brings more stories of victims—many of them women—who are targeted while simply going about their daily lives. This pattern of unchecked violence is not only spreading fear but also eroding the sense of safety that every New Yorker deserves. Without decisive action, this crisis will only worsen, leaving more lives shattered and communities destabilized.

It’s time to take a stand and demand real change from our city leaders.

We are calling on New York City officials to take immediate action to:

Reform Bail Laws: Address the flaws in bail reform policies that allow repeat offenders to be released, ensuring violent criminals are held accountable and not returned to the streets to commit more crimes.

Ensure Accurate Reporting: End the manipulation of crime data and provide transparent, comprehensive reporting of all assaults and random acts of violence.

Strengthen Law Enforcement Accountability: Mandate proper follow-up on all reported incidents of violence, ensuring no victim is overlooked or dismissed.

Enhance Public Safety Measures: Increase visible patrols, improve lighting and infrastructure in high-risk areas, and implement proactive measures to prevent attacks.

Support Victims: Expand advocacy programs to provide survivors with comprehensive support and ensure their cases are addressed with urgency and care.

Address Root Causes: Invest in mental health services, community programs, and legislative reforms to address the factors contributing to this rise in violence.

Every resident of New York City deserves to feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Women, as the primary targets, face unique vulnerabilities, but this is a crisis that impacts us all. Together, we can demand accountability and create a safer, stronger city for everyone.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for a New York City where safety is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all its people. The time for silence is over. It’s time for action. Join us in holding our leaders accountable and making New York City safe again.

Sign the petition and share widely—our voices can drive the change we need.