No survivor should have to wait until violence escalates into serious injury or death before the legal system recognizes the danger.

Every day, survivors across Florida are told there is “not enough evidence” or that the abuse has not become immediate enough to qualify for protection. Yet research consistently shows that the period after leaving an abusive relationship is one of the most dangerous times for victims. Stalking, coercive control, threats, harassment, and escalating intimidation are well-documented warning signs that can precede serious violence.

Florida recorded more than 71,000 domestic violence offenses in 2024. Nationally, the CDC reports that more than half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former intimate partner. These are not isolated tragedies—they are warning signs that too often come after survivors have already asked for help.

The purpose of restraining orders should be prevention—not waiting until someone becomes another statistic.

I am asking Florida lawmakers to review and strengthen the protective injunction process by:

• Giving greater consideration to documented patterns of stalking, harassment, coercive control, and intimidation.

• Improving judicial education on post-separation abuse and escalating risk factors.

• Creating more consistent standards across Florida courts.

• Ensuring survivors can seek protection before violence becomes life-threatening.

• Including survivor-informed recommendations in future policy reforms.

On August 12, I will be meeting with a Florida State Representative to discuss these issues and advocate for meaningful legislative change. This petition represents the voices of survivors, families, advocates, and community members who believe protection should come before tragedy—not after it.

No one should have to fear being ignored until it is too late.

If you believe our laws should prioritize prevention, accountability, and survivor safety, please sign this petition and help us call for reform.

Together, we can help save lives.

Countless women in Florida are facing similar challenges, remaining trapped in toxic relationships even after they muster the courage to leave. The legal process to obtain restraining orders is often convoluted and discouraging. Many women face a myriad of bureaucratic hurdles that can delay or even deny the urgent help they need to protect themselves.

Statistics reveal a grim reality: domestic violence incidents affect 1 in 4 women in the United States, and Florida is no exception. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were over 105,000 reported cases of domestic violence in the state in 2019 alone. The actual numbers are likely higher due to underreporting, as many fear the repercussions of speaking out or feel unsupported by the system.

One significant barrier is the requirement for victims to prove immediate physical harm, which overlooks emotional abuse, stalking, and psychological torment that can be equally damaging. The law should adapt to recognize these forms of abuse, allowing women quicker and more accessible paths to obtain the protection they need.

This petition seeks to persuade the Florida legislature and judicial system to reform these outdated requirements. By easing the criteria and expediting the process for obtaining restraining orders, women can gain the safety and peace of mind to build their lives free from fear.

Join us in advocating for legislative change. Every signature is a step toward a safer Florida for women. Sign the petition to stand with survivors and demand a legal system that protects and empowers them.