In the aftermath of experiencing sexual assault, victims often face immense emotional, physical, and social challenges. The traditional criminal justice process, with its adversarial nature, can often exacerbate these traumas rather than help. Diversion programs, which provide alternative resolution methods focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, can offer a path toward healing and restitution for victims.

Diversion for sexual assault cases has been done before. Researcher Mary Koss created a diversion program in Arizona in the early 2010's that had great success. These programs are designed to facilitate healing, provide education, and prevent future offenses, benefiting both survivors and offenders in the long term. Diversion includes sex-offender treatment and restorative justice conferencing, which centers the needs and healing of the victim. The offender is required to take full accountability for the harm he caused and work to repair that harm. 

Research shows that diversion programs can reduce recidivism rates significantly. According to the National Institute of Justice, alternative programs focused on rehabilitation have a notable influence on reducing repeat offenses compared to incarceration. By creating such programs in Minnesota, we can create a more just, supportive, and effective system for dealing with sexual assault cases.

The current justice system is discriminatory towards sexual assault victims (who are 90% women). Because of gender discrimination, victim-blaming, and myths about sexual assault, the adversarial court process is extremely retraumatizing to victims of sexual assault. It also fails to hold their perpetrators accountable. Less than 1% of reported sex-offenders for adult victim cases are convicted. Sexual assault victims need another path to justice. That path is diversion. 

We must urge Minnesota leaders to create standardized diversion programs for sexual assault cases. This would ensure more equitable access to justice and healing for all Minnesota residents, providing a framework that is both compassionate and efficient.

Please join me in advocating for this critical change. By signing this petition, you will be helping victims all across Minnesota to have access to a more humane, victim-centered justice pathway. Your support can make a substantial difference in the lives of many victims. Sign this petition to show your support.

Survivors 4 Justice Reform is a world-wide coalition built by Canadian survivor Marlee Liss. We advocate for restorative justice to be an option for sexual assault survivors. You can learn more about Survivors 4 Justice Reform here: https://www.survivors4justicereform.com/ 
Follow the Minnesota chapter's Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/survivors4justicereform.mn/ 
And watch an interview with Marlee Liss here: