As a survivor of childhood sexual assault and now a mother of a young victim, I know firsthand the lifelong impact that abuse leaves on a child. No parent should ever have to experience the fear, pain, and helplessness that comes when the system fails to protect our children. Yet today, in Ohio, individuals who are charged with sexual offenses against children can still be released on bond with almost no restrictions.

This lack of stringent bond laws poses a severe threat to the safety and well-being of our children. Studies have shown that individuals accused of child sexual offenses have high rates of recidivism, which means that releasing them with minimal restrictions places our most vulnerable citizens, our children, at risk. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, about one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before they turn 18. These statistics are alarming and unacceptable.

Ohio's current bond laws need urgent reform. We must implement stricter conditions for release, including GPS monitoring and restricted access to areas where children are present, such as schools, playgrounds, and daycare centers. Moreover, it is essential that these offenders, once charged, have limited contact with minors until they've completed their trial and, if necessary, rehabilitation.

The goal is clear: Protect our children by keeping dangerous individuals away from them. Illustrative examples from nearby states show us the benefits of reforming bond laws. States with tougher laws have seen a reduction in repeat offenses and a stronger sense of safety among residents. Ohio can, and must, follow suit.

We urge Ohio lawmakers to prioritize the protection of children by reforming these laws immediately. Every moment counts when it comes to the safety of a child, and action is needed now. By signing this petition, you are taking a stand against a system that currently fails to protect our children and advocating for a safer and more secure future for them. Stand with us to bring about this vital change—our children depend on it. Please sign this petition to reform Ohio’s bond laws for child-sex offenders and help create a safer world for our children.