This petition stems from a deeply personal and harrowing experience. My daughter, after taking an overdose, needed help from the police. Instead of providing the necessary support and medical assistance, they intimidated her, provoked her, and arrested her for disturbing the peace. They manhandled her - dragging and kneeling on her while she screamed for help after consuming tablets. No attempt was made to call an ambulance or ensure she was safe.

This incident is not isolated but indicative of a broader issue concerning how police treat vulnerable young women in crisis situations. According to statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), females are more likely than males to experience nonfatal intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents that result in injury or involve a weapon (BJS 2018). Yet, law enforcement often fails to provide appropriate care or response.

We are calling for reforms in police training programs with emphasis on handling cases involving vulnerable young women with sensitivity and respect. We demand better mental health crisis intervention training for officers so that they can effectively deescalate situations without resorting to force.

We cannot allow another young woman's cry for help be answered with intimidation and violence instead of empathy and aid. Please sign this petition urging our lawmakers to implement these much-needed reforms immediately.