I grew up in a household marred by the harrowing effects of domestic violence. My mother, a resilient survivor, endured years of pain and fear at the hands of her abuser. The scars of those years linger, a constant reminder of the silent epidemic that disrupts and destroys countless lives. If a Domestic Violence Registry had been available, perhaps my family and many others could have learned sooner about the threats lurking within our homes, and legal and personal steps could have been taken to protect and save lives more effectively.

Tennessee has taken a proactive approach by establishing a Domestic Violence Registry, a tool that empowers its citizens with crucial information about convicted abusers. This public database enables individuals to make informed decisions about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. It is time for Georgia to follow suit and implement a similar registry to serve as a protective measure.

Domestic violence affects a startling number of individuals. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. Survivors and those at risk deserve every possible tool to remain safe and informed.

By establishing a Domestic Violence Registry in Georgia, authorities can help prevent future incidents by ensuring survivors and those in potentially threatening situations have access to vital information. This registry would help safeguard communities by shining a light on those who have a record of abuse, potentially deterring future incidents.

We urge Georgia lawmakers and authorities to prioritize this issue and take immediate action to implement a Domestic Violence Registry. We cannot afford to wait while more lives are put at risk.

Please join me in advocating for a safer Georgia. Sign this petition to demand the establishment of a Domestic Violence Registry. Together, we can help protect lives and create a safer environment for all residents.