I am a survivor of long-term extreme domestic violence. The offender, who has tormented me and their last four partners over the past 30+ years with numerous charges for assault, forcible confinement, threats, harassment and more, is now facing charges for beating their current partner unconscious in front of their child. Despite this horrifying history of violence, the Ontario Criminal Justice System is considering a minimal conditional sentence (house arrest) instead of incarceration.

This leniency towards repeat violent offenders is not unique to my case. In Canada alone, almost half (48%) of all violent crimes are committed by repeat offenders (Source: Statistics Canada). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to reform our justice system's approach to sentencing these individuals.

The current practice of granting conditional sentences does not adequately protect victims or deter future violence. It sends a message that repeated acts of severe violence can be met with minimal consequences - an unacceptable precedent that puts countless individuals at risk.

We must demand stronger sentencing laws that prioritize victim safety and hold repeat violent offenders accountable for their actions. We call on the Ontario Criminal Justice System to end the use of conditional sentences for such cases and instead enforce appropriate incarceration terms that reflect the severity and recurrence of these crimes.

Please sign this petition today to stand against domestic violence and advocate for justice system reform in Ontario.