My name is Amber, and I am not just speaking as someone who believes domestic violence needs to be taken more seriously. I am speaking as someone whose life was forever changed by it.

On August 6, 2013, my identical twin sister, Autumn, was murdered by her husband. She was only 36 years old. That day, I didn't just lose my sister. I lost my other half, my lifelong best friend, and someone who had been by my side since the moment we were born. There is not a day that goes by that I don't carry that loss with me.

Domestic violence doesn't just affect the person being abused. It destroys families, leaves children without parents, takes away brothers and sisters, and creates wounds that never completely heal.

I cannot bring Autumn back. But I can use my voice to fight for changes that could help protect someone else's sister, daughter, mother, son, brother, or friend.

I am calling on the United States Congress to pass legislation establishing a National Domestic Violence Offender Registry, which I would like to see named Autumn's Law.

Under this proposed law, individuals convicted of qualifying domestic violence offenses would be required to register in a nationwide system. The registry would help make verified information about serious and repeat domestic violence offenders accessible across state lines.

I believe this legislation should  include: 

1. A nationwide registry of convicted domestic violence offenders. Qualifying convictions would be recorded in a centralized system so that offenders cannot avoid registration requirements simply by moving to another state.

2. Public access to verified information. Members of the public would be able to search appropriate conviction information about qualifying offenders, with safeguards to protect victims and prevent misuse.

3. Registration requirements for qualifying offenders. Individuals convicted of designated domestic violence offenses would be required to maintain accurate registration information, subject to appropriate legal procedures.

4. Stronger coordination between states. Law enforcement agencies would have a consistent way to share relevant information about domestic violence convictions and registration requirements.

5. Protection of victims and survivors. The registry must never expose victims' personal information, confidential addresses, or other details that could put them in danger.

6. Accountability and due process. Registration requirements should be based on clearly defined convictions, with procedures for correcting inaccurate records, challenging improper registration, and determining how long registration is required.

We already recognize the importance of tracking certain offenders who present serious public safety concerns. I believe we need to have that same national conversation about domestic violence.

Too often, families learn about someone's history of violence after something terrible has already happened. I want to see a system that provides access to accurate information while respecting the rights and safety of everyone involved.

I understand that a registry alone will not stop domestic violence. We also need education, prevention, victim services, protective measures, and meaningful enforcement of existing laws. But I believe better access to verified information can be one part of a broader effort to protect people.

Autumn deserved to live. Every victim of domestic violence deserves safety. And every family deserves the chance to see their loved ones come home.

I am asking Congress to consider Autumn's Law, hold hearings, work with survivors and domestic violence prevention experts, and establish a national framework for domestic violence offender registration.

I am asking you to sign this petition not just for Autumn, but for every life that has been lost, every survivor who is still fighting, and every person who deserves to feel safe in their own home.

My sister no longer has a voice, but I do, and she is the reason I will never be silent. 

Please sign and share this petition to help bring national attention to the need for stronger domestic violence prevention and accountability.

For Autumn. For survivors. For those whose voices were taken away.

With love and determination,
Amber Gonzalez
Autumn's identical twin sister

#AutumnsLaw #DomesticViolenceAwareness #EndDomesticViolence #ProtectSurvivors #NeverBeSilent