Domestic violence is a silent epidemic, inflicting untold pain and lasting scars on survivors and devastating families. As a survivor, I have experienced the fear and trauma that accompany living in a violent environment. Tragically, my best friend was not as fortunate; she lost her life to domestic violence. Her homicide was not an isolated incident; many face similar horrors daily.

In 2020 alone, nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in the United States. Despite these alarming numbers, there is currently no federal registry for domestic violence offenders. This gap in our legal system enables perpetrators to evade responsibility and continue inflicting harm in new relationships and communities.

A federal domestic violence offender registry would serve as a crucial tool in preventing further abuse. It would allow law enforcement agencies to track and monitor convicted offenders across state lines, making it more challenging for them to integrate into new communities undetected. Such a registry would also empower potential victims, employers, and communities to make informed decisions about their safety.

While some states have taken initiatives to create their own registries, the lack of a standardized federal system results in a patchwork of regulations and loopholes that offenders can exploit. Establishing a national registry would unify these efforts, creating a comprehensive and accessible database for law enforcement and the public.

We need to protect all individuals from the devastating impact of domestic violence by implementing policies that prioritize safety and accountability. By establishing a federal domestic violence offender registry, we can deter offenders, reduce recidivism, and save lives. Let's urge our lawmakers to take immediate action to create this registry and ensure that no more lives are shattered by domestic violence.

Sign this petition to demand the creation of a federal domestic violence offender registry. Let us honor the memory of those we have lost by fighting for a safer future for all.