1 in 6 children have been sexually abused.

1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16.

275,000 men experienced sexual assault in 2022.

1 in 2 adult survivors of rape have experienced it more than once. 

1 in 9 girls experience sexual abuse/assault.

As a mother, the thought of sending my daughter to school fills me with dread. How can I trust that she will be safe? Who will protect her? The rising numbers of sexual assault victims indicate a terrifying reality: our current legal consequences are not stringent enough to deter these heinous criminals. Rapists, pedophiles, and perverts continue to menace our communities, threatening the safety of our children, the elderly, and the most vulnerable among us.

The fear experienced by parents, caregivers, and families across the nation is palpable. It is unfair that we live in constant fear of the predators who prey on the innocent and powerless. The numbers don't lie; an increase in victims correlates directly with insufficient punitive measures. We need to demand change.

Countries that have enforced harsher penalties for sexual offenses have seen notable decreases in crime rates. For instance, Iceland, with its strict laws and committed enforcement against sexual offenders, consistently ranks as one of the safest places globally. Why should we not aim for the same?

An example of just rape cases gathered from therapecrisis.org.uk website reveal shocking information, they have stated:

There are now 3,489 adult rape cases waiting to go to trial – an increase of 70% in 2 years.

There are 1,646 child rape cases waiting to go to trial. This number has been growing every quarter since Q2 in 2019. Since 2022, the figure has increased by 30%.

This is based just off rape cases alone.

Many victims of sexual assault remain silent due to a well-founded fear that reporting their experiences will not lead to justice. 5 out of 6 women who have been raped don’t report.This reluctance stems from a variety of systemic issues, including a lack of confidence in law enforcement to handle these cases with the seriousness they deserve.

Often, victims worry that police investigations will be inadequate, leading to cases being dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Even when cases do proceed to court, there's a pervasive concern that the sentences handed down to offenders will be lenient, failing to reflect the severity of the crime and the trauma inflicted on survivors. We need to implement thorough investigations towards sexual assault cases. 

We urge lawmakers to pass legislation that enforces more severe punishments for sexual offenders. This includes longer sentences without the possibility of parole, thorough investigations, mandatory public registry for offenders, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

The numbers are there, the statistics are presented clearly. Let us come together to create safer communities and a secure future for our children. Sign this petition to push for laws that protect us and serve as a deterrent to those who would harm society's most vulnerable members. Together, we can make a difference.