I am a victim. For over a month, I have been subjected to harassment and stalking, living in constant fear and anxiety. When I found the courage to report this ordeal to the police, my plea for protection was initially dismissed because there were no physical injuries involved. The judge seemed indifferent to the fact that threats can be as damaging as physical harm - mentally and emotionally.

Our justice system should not wait for harm to occur before taking action. It is unjust that my court date was postponed because the police couldn't locate my harasser, despite me being present on time. This is not just about me; it's about all women who are victims of harassment, assault or rape.

Statistics show that 1 in 5 women in America have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime (National Sexual Violence Resource Center). Yet many cases go unreported due to fear of disbelief or dismissal by authorities.

We need a change in how our justice system views complaints from women against those who harass them, assault them or threaten their safety. We demand reforms that ensure every woman’s complaint is taken seriously from the outset - regardless of whether physical harm has occurred yet or not.

Please sign this petition if you believe in making our justice system more responsive and fair towards victims of harassment and assault.