As a police officer, I've responded to hundreds of calls related to domestic violence and witnessed the devastating impact it has on individuals and families. Every call is a stark reminder of how many people are unaware of their partner's past behaviours and how the lack of knowledge can lead to life-threatening situations. Too often, victims learn too late that their partner has a history of violence, which might have influenced their choice to enter or remain in a relationship if they had known.

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue affecting millions, with an estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experiencing severe intimate partner physical violence, according to the CDC. Despite these alarming statistics, there remains a lack of accessible information for potential victims to protect themselves from known offenders.

I propose the creation of a national registry for domestic violence offenders, similar to those established for sex offenders. This registry would provide essential information to potential partners and community members, allowing them to make informed decisions and potentially avoid harm. It would list individuals convicted of domestic violence-related offenses and be maintained by a federal agency to ensure nationwide consistency and accuracy.

The existence of such a registry would serve not only as a preventative measure but also as a signal to offenders that their actions have long-term consequences. It could contribute to reducing domestic violence rates by warning non-offending partners and acting as a deterrent to potential offenders who know their actions will be made public.

A registry would contribute to breaking the cycle of abuse, empowering communities and individuals to safeguard themselves against known risks. We owe it to the countless victims to give them every possible means of protection by ensuring they have access to such crucial information.

Join me in urging our policymakers to prioritize the safety of potential victims by supporting the establishment of a national domestic violence offenders registry. Sign this petition to stand with victims and take a proactive step towards a safer society. Your signature can make a difference and help save lives. Together, we can build a future where all can live free from the shadow of domestic fear.