Today, there is no way for a (wo)man to truly screen their potential dates. Aside from a Google search, which leads you to sites like Facebook and Match.com right off the bat. These are sites that can and are manipulated by an individual to only show the world their perfected image, the good things, the mask.  Then there are the 'background check' websites.  These charge hefty fees, and oftentimes require a subscription, for what?  For information that MAY be correct and addresses and marital statuses that are outdated or just plain false.  There is no free and accurate way to know who we are getting involved with. As a survivor myself, I believe that there is a solution.  Creating a Domestic Violence Offenders List, would both help to deter one from committing these acts and also serve as a reference for those who enter into relationships with potential offenders. Listing Name, date of conviction, address and marital status would help potential victims to identify and avoid entering into a relationship with an offender. Or at least give them some insight and information should they choose to progess. Since many offenders are also habitual offenders and liars, this would be a way to curb their cycle, to be faced with being registered and identified for what they really are could prevent many from ever entering into that cycle. Lives would be saved, money will be saved, and the dating world will be safer for both men and women. This is not a problem that is going away! This list will be a powerful tool, especially when used in tandem with other rehabilitative measures. The type of person that becomes an abuser is one that not only will continue, even after multiple convictions, they will also become more violent. This type of individual is one who doesn't want to be named, and the threat of being exposed for all to see will be a major deterrant to that person.  If this list is maintained by the state and accesible by the public, it will prove not only effective as a correctional tool and deterrant.  This list will go a long way towards our shared goal of a society free from the fear, shame and destruction caused by domestic violence.

   Domestic violence doesn't only hurt women.  It hurts men & children, it breaks up families.  For so long it was hidden, kept behind closed doors and remaining that "little sercet" we didn't talk about.  Now is the time to talk about it, to shout about it, to stop the cycle. To stop the hurt.  Sign the petition.  Sign it for you, for your best friend, for your mother, your father, your sister, brother or neighbor.  Sign it for your children, so that they never, ever have to be afraid of loving someone who hurts them.   Because love doesn't have to hurt.