Enforce stronger protection for disabled individuals

The Issue

Lexi is not only my friend but also my neighbor here in Orange County, NC. Her story is deeply personal to me because I witnessed the bravery of those who rescued her from the abuse of her former guardian. This guardian, despite being on probation and under a Domestic Violence Protective Order, continues to speak publicly about Lexi, causing her and us grave distress. It's unsettling to think that the very systems designed to protect the vulnerable seem, in Lexi's case, insufficient.

This is not just about Lexi. It's about all of us who belong to the disability community in our county. We were assured that policies such as Domestic Violence Protective Orders were established to ensure safety. Yet, if they fail to protect Lexi, they fail to protect everyone. Every instance where these protections are circumvented or ignored diminishes trust and leaves individuals like Lexi in fear.

Our community deserves peace of mind. We call upon local authorities and relevant law enforcement to ensure these protective measures are robustly enforced. There should be audits of the current system to understand where lapses occurred and strategies implemented to prevent future oversights. Additionally, there needs to be suitable consequences for those who breach these orders, setting a clear precedent that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The safety of disabled individuals is paramount, and we demand accountability from those in charge. It's time for action, not just empty promises of protection. We need to ensure that people who have experienced trauma, like Lexi, are not re-traumatized by the continuous failures of protective systems.

Please join us in advocating for stronger enforcement and real accountability. Sign this petition to demand assurance that protective orders genuinely shield those they are meant to safeguard. Together, we can drive change that ensures a safer environment for everyone in our community. Let's ensure that Lexi, and those like her, can live without fear. Stand with us in this fight for justice and real safety by signing this petition today.

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The Issue

Lexi is not only my friend but also my neighbor here in Orange County, NC. Her story is deeply personal to me because I witnessed the bravery of those who rescued her from the abuse of her former guardian. This guardian, despite being on probation and under a Domestic Violence Protective Order, continues to speak publicly about Lexi, causing her and us grave distress. It's unsettling to think that the very systems designed to protect the vulnerable seem, in Lexi's case, insufficient.

This is not just about Lexi. It's about all of us who belong to the disability community in our county. We were assured that policies such as Domestic Violence Protective Orders were established to ensure safety. Yet, if they fail to protect Lexi, they fail to protect everyone. Every instance where these protections are circumvented or ignored diminishes trust and leaves individuals like Lexi in fear.

Our community deserves peace of mind. We call upon local authorities and relevant law enforcement to ensure these protective measures are robustly enforced. There should be audits of the current system to understand where lapses occurred and strategies implemented to prevent future oversights. Additionally, there needs to be suitable consequences for those who breach these orders, setting a clear precedent that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The safety of disabled individuals is paramount, and we demand accountability from those in charge. It's time for action, not just empty promises of protection. We need to ensure that people who have experienced trauma, like Lexi, are not re-traumatized by the continuous failures of protective systems.

Please join us in advocating for stronger enforcement and real accountability. Sign this petition to demand assurance that protective orders genuinely shield those they are meant to safeguard. Together, we can drive change that ensures a safer environment for everyone in our community. Let's ensure that Lexi, and those like her, can live without fear. Stand with us in this fight for justice and real safety by signing this petition today.

The Decision Makers

Charles Blackwood
Orange County Sheriff
Orange County Commission
2 Members
Jean Hamilton
Orange County Commission - District 1
Jamezetta Bedford
Orange County Commission - District 1

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Petition created on February 21, 2026