This is a heartfelt plea for justice as a mother, whose child was a victim of severe abuse. My son, only a year old at the time, suffered at the hands of Maggie Fruit, in what can only be described as an horrific assault. She smothered my child and then violently threw him across a classroom, resulting in him hitting his head. Originally charged with attempted murder, this unimaginable act was downgraded and she was convicted for child abuse. Now, we're facing the distressing reality that Maggie Fruit is scheduled for release from prison in October this year.

Sadly, my son was not the only victim. In a single classroom of seven one-year-olds, each of them endured similar traumatic experiences. The severity and pervasive nature of these crimes demand we take a stand, particularly for our youngsters who are unable to voice their distress or demand justice themselves.

Given the locale of these traumatic events, we call upon the judicial and prison systems of New Jersey to reevaluate the proposed release of Maggie Fruit. Child abuse in the United States is a growing concern, with approximately 676,000 victims in 2019 alone, according to Child Protective Services. This signifies a rate of 9.2 victims per 1,000 children in the population. By allowing Maggie Fruit's release, we are signalling to these victims that their suffering does not matter, and to prospective abusers that they can escape serious consequences.

This is not just about her imminent release, but also about the safety of our community, the most vulnerable among us, and the message we are sending about our justice system. We cannot rest until we know that those who harm children face appropriate consequences for their actions. Please, join us in our quest for justice. Sign this petition and stand up against child abuse.