A year ago, I was sexually assaulted. It changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. For a long time, I felt like my voice had been taken from me. I felt alone, scared, angry, and overwhelmed trying to understand how something like this could happen and how I was supposed to move forward from it.

Eventually, I made the decision to share my story online. At first, I was simply trying to find my own voice again. But after I started speaking about what happened to me, other survivors began reaching out and sharing their stories with me. People told me that hearing someone speak openly about sexual assault made them feel less alone.

That is when I realized my story could become something bigger than just what happened to me.

There are so many survivors carrying experiences like mine. Some never report what happened. Some feel like they won’t be believed. Some spend years trying to heal while feeling like the system that is supposed to protect them has failed them. No survivor should have to feel like they are fighting for justice, support, and healing completely on their own.

I am starting this petition because I believe survivors deserve more.

I am calling on lawmakers to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual assault across the United States and take meaningful action to address the gaps that still exist in prevention, reporting, survivor support, and access to justice.

That means improving access to trauma-informed resources and support for survivors, strengthening prevention and education efforts, making reporting and the legal process safer and more supportive for survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable under the law.

Sexual assault doesn’t end when the assault ends. Survivors can carry the effects of what happened for months, years, or even the rest of their lives. Our laws and institutions should recognize that reality and make sure survivors are met with compassion, resources, protection, and a real opportunity for justice.

I cannot change what happened to me. But I can choose what I do with my voice now.

I want to use it for every survivor who is still afraid to speak. For every person who feels like nobody understands. For the people who reported and felt ignored, and for the people who never felt safe enough to report at all.

Most importantly, I want survivors to know that what happened to them matters and that their voices matter.

Please sign this petition and stand with me in calling for stronger protections and meaningful action against sexual assault nationwide.

One signature might feel small, but thousands of voices together are much harder to ignore.

I found my voice again. Now I want to use it to help make sure survivors are heard.