I am a survivor. At the age of six, I was sexually assaulted by a member of the clergy. This traumatic episode left an indelible mark on my life, shaping my understanding of safety and justice. Over the years, I have come across numerous stories from other survivors, both children and women, who have faced similar horrors. These experiences have made it clear to me that the current legal system is not sufficient to protect the most vulnerable among us. It is time to act.

Sexual assault against children and women is not only a grievous crime; it is an assault on our very humanity. Yet, in many states, these crimes are handled inconsistently, leading to a patchwork of justice that leaves many perpetrators with minimal consequences. This inconsistency highlights a pressing need—a need to elevate these heinous acts to the level of a federal hate crime. Doing so would ensure a standardized approach that takes these cases out of individual state jurisdictions, bringing them into the purview of a comprehensive, uniform policy.

 By categorizing the sexual assault of a child or woman as a federal hate crime, we can implement a minimum sentence of 25 years without the possibility of plea negotiations. This would send a clear message: sexual violence will not be tolerated and will be met with severe and unwavering consequences. Furthermore, this change would prompt an increase in resources dedicated to preventing these crimes and supporting survivors in their recovery.  To be sexually assaulted is a Violation of a persons Constitutional Rights.

Statistics reveal that one in four girls and one in six boys will experience some form of sexual assault before turning 18, yet the repercussions often fail to reflect the severity of such crimes. Treating these offenses federally would not only streamline justice but also serve as a preventive measure, ultimately protecting more potential victims from this blight on our society.

This is not just a matter of justice; it's about ensuring the safety and dignity of all children and women in the United States. We cannot stand idly by while countless lives are shattered by such violence. We have the power to demand change from the Department of Justice and the President to sponsor a law or issue an Executive Order, making this necessary legal adjustment.

Join me in standing up for victims and preventing future crimes. Sign this petition to urge our leaders to act decisively and make the sexual assault of any child or woman a federal hate crime, providing the protections and justice that are long overdue.