This petition was started to break the silence and stigma involved with the topic of DV, we want to bring awareness to this issue because it is only getting worse.

We want changes, to the epidemic of Domestic Violence and Abuse happening all over the United States, but especially in Colorado. Our main goal is to have a registry for people charged with three or more domestic violence related crimes, or a crime that is very severe like manslaughter, homicide that has caused death and is involved with domestic violence. 

In Pueblo, Colorado early into 2020 two young women were victims of Domestic Violence and both victims tragically and needlessly lost their lives due to Domestic Violence, their names were Nicole Stephenson and Grace Jackson. These two beautiful, amazing young women were mothers, they had bright futures, and were both exceptional people who are loved by so many and their tragic deaths have effected many more; they were just two of the victims of Domestic Violence during the time that we started this petition, there have been countless others since we started this petition, both women, and men.

This petition is to begin a publicly accessible registry for Domestic Violence abusers, specifically abusers who have multiple offences and convictions of Domestic Violence and Abuse or a severe crime like homicide that was as a result of domestic violence.

This registry would give safety, peace of mind and change to survivors and victims, where many other organizations fall short, it could potentially very well save someones life; it would deter the perpetrators and predators of Domestic Violence and Abuse, of whom are both men and women because Domestic Violence is non exclusive to any gender, and prevent future victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse. Ultimately this registry is to try and save lives. 

Each year in the US between 960,000 to 3,000,000 Domestic Violence incidents are reported, while many more go unreported for many reasons, most include lack of resources, fear, intimidation, or the inability to get away from an abuser.   

As many are aware the Violence Against Women Act expired on December 21, 2018. It was temporarily reinstated via a short-term spending bill on January 25, 2019, but expired again on February 15, 2019.

As we have seen the past two years have been years of many changes; it's been trying, heartbreaking, catastrophic, devastating, and yet at the same time, people from all over the world have come together in solidarity to bring the voices of those silenced into the light and heard loud and clear.

We are no different.

This is an epidemic, it is on the rise, and it is time to speak out against this issue and bring awareness to it. I have found that it is easier to ask who has not been effected by Domestic Violence and Abuse than to ask who has. If this petition can save even one person from becoming a victim, it is worth it.

I ask you to please sign this petition, which will be forwarded to every Colorado lawmaker and legislator, The Colorado Governor, Colorado members of Congress, Colorado members of City Council and Colorado members of legislation at the city and state level, and ultimately all of the U.S Senate and members of Congress.  

It is time for change and this subject is no different, it needs to be addressed, things need to change and this movement needs your voices and support. Please sign and share this petition to give a voice to those being silenced, those who can no longer speak, those who have and still are being effected, and to those who have survived this.

Sincerely, Kate Ferguson and Gabrielle Skubal