I am a mother who has witnessed firsthand the failing of our justice system when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable - our children. My daughter was abused in every unimaginable way by her own father. Despite having years of evidence, our prosecutor decided to drop his case. I was told, face to face, that prosecutors aren't obligated to take on every case. Now, a proven child abuser walks free, able to re-offend without reprisal.

This is not an isolated incident but the reality of many families across our nation. The National Children's Alliance reported in 2019 that nearly 700,000 children in America are abused each year, a statistic that should alarm and mobilize us all. Our legal system cannot continue to disregard these vulnerable victims by allowing some cases to be selectively ignored.

We must demand changes in our laws for the protection of our children. First, we call for all prosecutors to be required by law to pursue every adjudicated case of child abuse. This obligation will ensure that no child's case gets discarded and that every abuser faces justice.

Second, we urge a reconsideration of the age of consent, to provide young individuals with the advocacy and protection they need from potential coercion and manipulation.

Together, we can fortify our legal system with mandatory prosecution of child abuse cases and a re-evaluation of the age of consent. This is a crucial step in our collective fight against child abuse and for the safeguarding of our children's future. Sign this petition to demand changes in our laws to better protect our children.