As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, I carry the burden of my past every day. It is an ordeal that is difficult to move on from, and I believe that understanding the whereabouts and identities of offenders is crucial for healing and safety. I discovered, after my abusive father gave me ‘his permission’, that he had changed his identity and was now a woman. He also had a brand new name and surname. The revelation was not angering because of the transition itself, but because of the drastic secrecy and potential danger it posed to me and others. Imagine the fear of unknowingly walking into a public bathroom and finding the violent man who abused you for years disguised with a wig and dress whilst hiding behind a new identity.

Many victims of abuse never know whether their perpetrators have changed their identities, it is not their right to know according to UK law. This lack of transparency is not only unjust but potentially dangerous. The government currently allows perpetrators of sexual abuse to undergo identity changes without informing the victims. This undermines the safety and mental well-being of survivors, favouring the privacy of abusers over the security of the victims. The time has come for a change.

We are calling upon the government to introduce legislation that mandates the disclosure of identity changes to victims of abuse. Victims should have the right to know about significant changes in the identities of those who harmed them. This information is paramount for their safety, allowing them to make informed decisions about their daily lives and avoid potential harm.

This change is not insurmountable but a vital step toward prioritising the safety and rights of victims. By keeping victims informed, we empower them with knowledge and protection. Let us not allow the cloak of anonymity to shield abusers.

We demand action now to protect victims' rights and ensure their safety and peace of mind. Join us in urging the government to prioritise victim rights by disclosing identity changes of perpetrators. 

Please sign this petition and help us safeguard those who have already endured too much. Put the victims ahead of their abusers, give them their rights to safety and make them feel heard and protected.