My entire family was destroyed by a system that failed to understand and address domestic abuse. Professionals, including those from social services, the police, and even crime stoppers, let us down. They ignored our cries for help, disregarded the false accusations, and ultimately, tore my family apart. Children were removed from our care and adopted by strangers without our consent, all under the guise of legal proceedings that didn’t take the family’s perspective into account.

Domestic abuse is a national crisis, yet it seems the very people who are supposed to protect us are inadequately equipped to understand or act upon it. This lack of knowledge among professionals is disturbingly common and detrimental to countless families like mine. Domestic violence doesn't just affect the direct victims; it destroys the fabric of entire families and communities.

Authorities and professionals involved in fields that intersect with families—social services, police departments, crime stoppers, and family courts—should be mandated to complete comprehensive domestic abuse courses. These courses must go beyond theoretical knowledge, offering practical insights into recognizing signs of abuse and understanding the nuanced dynamics within affected families.

Training should not be a one-time requirement. It should be regularly updated to reflect new understandings and strategies in combating domestic abuse. Making these courses mandatory is not just a benefit for them but is an absolute necessity for the well-being of those they serve—families and children who find themselves at the mercy of societal structures.

Instituting mandatory domestic abuse education will ensure that families are no longer torn apart by ignorance and misunderstanding. It will enable professionals to make informed, compassionate decisions that prioritize the safety and cohesion of families in crisis.

Please, sign this petition to advocate for mandatory domestic abuse courses for all professionals in positions of authority that affect the lives of families. Together, we can prevent what happened to my family from happening to anyone else, ensuring a safer, more understanding world.