I am a survivor. My brothers and I fell victim to the cruelty of our father, enduring severe physical abuse in what should have been our sanctuary - our home. This man who was meant to protect us, instead unleashed fear and pain, leaving us not only with physical scars, but also tormented memories.

Despite undeniable evidence against him, including the terrible welts and multicolored bruises he inflicted, this man was sentenced to just a year and a half of probation for his heinous crimes. This sentence was served while my father continued his cycle of abuse, unchecked and undaunted. He was already on probation when he abused my brother by choking him and slamming him on his bed and then telling him how ugly he is. He was only 8. The only reason he was able to get away with this was because my brother was brainwashed by my mother and was unable to be considered a credible witness/victim, even though there were two other eyewitnesses. The result - justice remained elusive while we suffered in silence. 

This story, unfortunately, is not unique to my family. The National Center for Victims of Crime reports that every year, countless victims of serious crimes don't receive the justice they deserve due to inadequate sentencing policies, including unreasonably lenient probations, even for felony offenses. This needs to change.

I am calling for an amendment to the criminal justice system: End the ability to get probation for a felony offense, including in plea agreements. This reform is crucial for the protection of victims and will ensure that severe crimes receive the serious attention they require.

Let's end this great injustice to victims, by urging lawmakers to demand tougher penalties for those found guilty of felony offences. Let's ensure that no one serves mere probation when the crimes they have committed warrant stern punishments. Stand with me, with us, survivors of severe abuse, in this fight for justice.

Sign this petition to amplify our voices.