As someone who has dedicated their life to advocating for victims of domestic violence, I have seen firsthand the heartbreaking situations that countless individuals find themselves in. I too have been a victim, and my experience is compounded by witnessing the struggles others face within a judicial system that often lacks consistency and empathy. In family law courts, judges often rotate between different benches—from family law to real estate or probate—spending just enough time to make decisions that can have severe, lasting impacts on children and families. These rotations mean that judges may not always have the expertise or nuanced understanding necessary to make informed decisions about domestic violence cases.

Savanna’s Law, named after a victim, is already making strides in addressing these crucial issues, shedding light on the urgent need for systemic change. However, to truly move from a reactive to a proactive society, we must establish a federal domestic violence registry. This registry would function similarly to the sex offender registry, ensuring that anyone convicted of domestic violence charges is easily identifiable. Such a registry would serve as a crucial tool for law enforcement, employers, landlords, and community organizations, helping to protect potential victims before more harm can occur.

The statistics around domestic violence are harrowing. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime. This is not just a personal issue; it is a societal crisis that demands immediate legislative action.

Creating a federal domestic violence registry will not only offer a layer of protection for potential victims but will also act as a deterrent for would-be offenders, knowing that their actions will have long-term public consequences. This registry could also offer a new layer of accountability and transparency for the judicial system, ensuring that judges have access to comprehensive backgrounds before making important decisions.

By implementing a federal domestic violence registry, we can provide better safety and peace of mind for countless individuals. We need to push for immediate action from our federal lawmakers. Let us not wait until more lives are negatively impacted. Sign this petition to urge Congress to make the establishment of a federal domestic violence registry a priority.