When I was just 15 years old, I experienced something no one should ever have to endure. I was sexually assaulted, and what followed was an excruciating year in the court system. The offender, a boy only a few days away from his 16th birthday, ultimately took a plea deal for a second-degree felony of attempted rape, only to receive a sentence of three months of probation. This left me disillusioned and heartbroken.

The current laws for punishing minors who commit sexual crimes in Cleveland are insufficient and fail to deliver justice to the victims. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, juvenile offenders account for approximately 35% of all sex crime arrests, yet the legal consequences are often lenient, rarely reflecting the severity of the crime. This laxity sends a dangerous message that these heinous acts are not taken seriously.

A change in legislation is desperately needed. We must implement stricter penalties for minors found guilty of sex crimes, ensuring they face consequences that reflect the gravity of their actions. Only with stronger deterrents will we be able to protect victims and deter potential offenders.

Implementing a reform can be achieved by collaborating with local government officials and legal experts to draft new legislation. This reform should focus on establishing minimum sentencing guidelines and mandatory rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders.

Join me in urging our lawmakers in Cleveland, Ohio, to amend the law and prioritize justice for victims by imposing stricter penalties on minors who commit sexual crimes. Together, we can create a safer community and prevent others from experiencing the hardship and pain that I endured.

Sign this petition to demand a fairer judicial system and help build a community where survivors of sexual crimes receive the justice they deserve.