Just last year, I unwittingly stepped into a nightmare. Six weeks into what seemed like a promising relationship, I moved in with my partner, fully unaware of the storm ahead. This man, who initially seemed kind and trustworthy, ended up abusing me in unimaginable ways. He physically, sexually, financially, and emotionally tortured me. It was after enduring these traumas that I finally found the courage to report him to the police. To my shock, he had a history of repeated arrests for domestic violence. This crucial information, had it been disclosed earlier, might have spared me from my suffering.

Unfortunately, my story is not unique. Many people unknowingly enter into dangerous living situations because landlords and estate agents are not required to disclose such vital information about potential co-tenants. This oversight puts countless individuals at risk, and it is a failing of the current system that we cannot afford to ignore any longer.

I am calling for a change: it must become a legal requirement for landlords and estate agents to conduct thorough background checks on all potential tenants for domestic violence and other violent charges. Moreover, they must inform other tenants of these findings. This disclosure is not only a matter of safety but of justice and transparency.

According to the Office for National Statistics, domestic violence affects nearly 2 million people in the UK annually. Victims often suffer in silence, but one practical action we can take is ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected from living with known offenders. With accessible criminal records, landlords have the means to prevent history from repeating itself.

Change is needed, and it starts here. I urge you to sign this petition to help protect others from the horrors I faced. By signing, you are supporting a measure that can prevent abuse and save lives. This is an urgent call to action for legislation that prioritizes tenant safety over ignorance or indifference. Please, join me in making this crucial change happen by signing this petition today.