In Campbelltown, New South Wales, these kinds of issues are influencing of our boys community by a horrific act of violence. A brutal gang rape involving one teen from Elderslie High School alongside two other perpetrators from St Gregs Catholic School linked with Macarthur Region—and troublingly connected with Sydney's ultimate boy's private school and even the Sydney Swans AFL community leaving a wake of trauma and heartbreak.

This appalling incident is not an isolated event. It's a stark reminder of a much deeper problem in our society. Current legal measures fail to adequately deter such heinous crimes against our youth, particularly when perpetrators are minors themselves. Judges often do not impose sentences that reflect the severity of these crimes, leaving survivors and their families without a sense of justice. Teenage girls are forced to continue with their lives despite being brutally gang raped by these men, leaving behind nothing but long lasting effects of poor mental health and a damaged physical state. Women who have been raped  will have to carry this memory for the rest of their lives aside from the fact that men only get 20 years sentence in prison including minors getting less than 20 adding onto the fact they are able to get bailed. 

This young aspiring girl was about to graduate and get her HSC until this incident shattered her mentality and soon became a barrier between her and goals. In Australia, sexual assault is a grave issue, with survivors sometimes facing secondary victimization from the justice system. Government data reveals that only a fraction of reported sexual assaults lead to convictions, and even fewer result in sentences that deter further offenses. The survivors, like those involved in the Campbelltown incident, live with the repercussions every day, while the perpetrators are often back on the streets in a few years. 

It’s time for Australian laws to reflect the seriousness of these crimes, life sentences for rape and sexual assault committed by minors aged 14 and above, we can begin to change this situation for these victims of rape. This is not just about increased punishment towards people, its to protect our community, to deter potential offenders, and above all, to stand in solidarity with survivors.

Research shows that strict sentencing can act as a potent deterrent. Countries with tougher laws on sexual crimes have seen a decrease in incidences. This policy change would not only prevent future atrocities but also send a powerful message that sexual violence will not be tolerated in any form, by anyone, regardless of age.

We call on lawmakers from the New South Wales government and federal bodies to take a stand against sexual violence and put forward legislation that mandates life imprisonment for those convicted of these crimes. We have the power to change lives including victims of assault. This story is an example for people in general who have to go through life trauma and suffering because of rape at a young age. 

Together, let's ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and that their calls for justice do not fall on deaf ears. Sign this petition to demand life sentences for rape and sexual assault for minors aged 14 and up, and help us create a society where everyone can feel safe, valued, and respected.