I am seeking justice for my beloved daughter who tragically lost her life to suicide last year. It is with immense pain and sorrow that I share the story of the sexual abuse she endured when she was just eight years old. I implore you to support this petition, urging the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) to accept and file the police report regarding her abuse.

In 2011, a male family member, who was 22 years old at the time, stayed briefly with us. During his stay, he committed the unspeakable act of sexual abuse against my innocent daughter. The trauma inflicted upon her was so severe that she blocked it out initially. However, as time passed and memories resurfaced, she began experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

As a grieving parent desperate for justice on behalf of my deceased child, I have taken every step possible to seek accountability for this heinous crime. Regrettably, my efforts have been met with disappointment and frustration by LVMPD's Sexual Violence Unit (SVU) and Enterprise Area Command. Despite providing therapy records where Cashleigh clearly stated what happened to her and her final letter naming her abuser before taking her own life in despair, the LVMPD refuse to accept our police report.

This denial is deeply disheartening not only for me but also for countless survivors who face similar obstacles when trying to report their own experiences of sexual abuse or assault. By rejecting our plea for justice based solely on technicalities such as lack of a victim's statement in person or outdated policies that fail survivors like my daughter who are no longer able to provide one themselves due to tragic circumstances - LVMPD perpetuates a system that silences victims rather than supporting them.

It is crucial that we hold law enforcement agencies accountable for their duty to protect and serve all members of our community. By signing this petition, you are demanding that LVMPD takes immediate action to rectify this injustice and accept the police report regarding my daughter's sexual abuse.

We call upon LVMPD to:

1. Recognize the validity of therapy records as evidence in cases of sexual abuse, acknowledging their significance in supporting survivors who may struggle to give a statement due to trauma or untimely death.
2. Update policies and procedures within SVU to ensure that victims' voices are heard, even when they cannot speak for themselves.
3. Provide comprehensive training for officers on trauma-informed approaches when dealing with survivors of sexual abuse or assault.
4. Establish a transparent and accountable system within LVMPD that prioritizes justice for survivors over bureaucratic technicalities.

Together, let us stand united against the injustices faced by survivors of sexual abuse and demand change from our law enforcement agencies. Sign this petition today, urging LVMPD to accept and file the police report regarding my deceased daughter's sexual abuse so that her voice can finally be heard.

Lana S. Gruell
Las Vegas, NV