Protect students from grooming and abuse in schools
Protect students from grooming and abuse in schools
The Issue
I held this secret for 26 years, a silence that came at the cost of shame and guilt. I was married for 22 years to the man who groomed me starting at 14 years old. We have three daughters—now 22, 19, and 15. Speaking up has always felt like it would come at a tremendous personal cost. The worst part of this story is that almost everyone connected to the school system at that time watched this unfold and did almost nothing to protect me from him. There were many people in positions of authority who failed in their duty to report, who failed to protect a child in their care.
It is critical to prevent such tragic stories from repeating themselves. I call upon everyone to support initiatives that will make significant changes in the way schools and churches handle grooming and sexual abuse. We need mandatory education on grooming behaviors for all school staff. It's essential that teachers, administrators, and school personnel are equipped with the knowledge to recognize early signs of grooming and abuse.
Additionally, there should be a standard time elapsed after students graduate before a teacher can enter a romantic relationship with them. This will create a clear boundary that protects former students from being groomed during their formative years.
Another crucial aspect is revising the statute of limitations for when schools and churches are held accountable. Currently in the state of KY, schools and churches are not properly held liable when they fail to investigate and report abuse if too much time has lapsed. Understanding the truth of what happened to you doesn’t usually come in your twenties. Research supports this. It often hits you when your own children reach the age you were when you were victimized—in your forties. Our current laws, heavily influenced by lobbying, protect institutions like schools and churches and silence survivors.
Furthermore, both early grooming AND sexual abuse investigations should not be handled internally but rather by the police to ensure impartiality and justice for the victims.
I implore you to support these changes by signing AND sharing this petition. Let’s create a safer environment for all students and ensure tragedies like mine do not happen again. Your signature can help transform how educational and religious institutions address these critical issues. Together, we can make a difference.
Share with the hashtag #CloseKentuckyLoopholes
Read my story and similar stories below:
Goal statement: We need this petition to be signed by more than 10% of the registered voters in the Commonwealth, which is approximately 350,000 voters. It helps if those signing the petition are willing to put your name and address so we can meet this goal!
1,302
The Issue
I held this secret for 26 years, a silence that came at the cost of shame and guilt. I was married for 22 years to the man who groomed me starting at 14 years old. We have three daughters—now 22, 19, and 15. Speaking up has always felt like it would come at a tremendous personal cost. The worst part of this story is that almost everyone connected to the school system at that time watched this unfold and did almost nothing to protect me from him. There were many people in positions of authority who failed in their duty to report, who failed to protect a child in their care.
It is critical to prevent such tragic stories from repeating themselves. I call upon everyone to support initiatives that will make significant changes in the way schools and churches handle grooming and sexual abuse. We need mandatory education on grooming behaviors for all school staff. It's essential that teachers, administrators, and school personnel are equipped with the knowledge to recognize early signs of grooming and abuse.
Additionally, there should be a standard time elapsed after students graduate before a teacher can enter a romantic relationship with them. This will create a clear boundary that protects former students from being groomed during their formative years.
Another crucial aspect is revising the statute of limitations for when schools and churches are held accountable. Currently in the state of KY, schools and churches are not properly held liable when they fail to investigate and report abuse if too much time has lapsed. Understanding the truth of what happened to you doesn’t usually come in your twenties. Research supports this. It often hits you when your own children reach the age you were when you were victimized—in your forties. Our current laws, heavily influenced by lobbying, protect institutions like schools and churches and silence survivors.
Furthermore, both early grooming AND sexual abuse investigations should not be handled internally but rather by the police to ensure impartiality and justice for the victims.
I implore you to support these changes by signing AND sharing this petition. Let’s create a safer environment for all students and ensure tragedies like mine do not happen again. Your signature can help transform how educational and religious institutions address these critical issues. Together, we can make a difference.
Share with the hashtag #CloseKentuckyLoopholes
Read my story and similar stories below:
Goal statement: We need this petition to be signed by more than 10% of the registered voters in the Commonwealth, which is approximately 350,000 voters. It helps if those signing the petition are willing to put your name and address so we can meet this goal!
1,302
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on December 14, 2025