I first handedly experienced the traumatizing effects of domestic abuse for 11 stressful and frightening years; from this ordeal, I draw the strength to voice out today. I lived under the constant fear and control of my abuser, who continued the abuse because I was always too afraid to support the pressing of charges; fear and manipulation kept me silent. Given the option, I always dropped the charges out of sheer terror of what would happen if I didn't. I strongly believe that, had the choice been out of my hands, my long-drawn suffering would have ended much earlier.

Today, I appeal for a legal reform that empowers the police to prosecute domestic abusers without the need for victim consent. This is important because, according to statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United Kingdom Fear, manipulation, and control often keep victims silent, allowing abusers to go unpunished and perpetuate their heinous acts unchecked. 

By granting law enforcement the autonomy to press charges against domestic abusers, we empower them to protect victims who are too scared or manipulated to help themselves. We give them the authority to interrupt the cycle of violence, potentially saving lives. Please join me in standing up to end domestic violence, sign this petition today to call our legislators to action and to introduce this crucial and lifesaving legislation.