In 2025, I turned to the justice system for help—seeking protection from my abusive partner who was in custody. To my dismay, I was told that nothing could be done to prevent him from contacting me, despite the psychological abuse and manipulation he continued to inflict on me from behind bars. Unfortunately, my story is not unique; countless others face the same situation, where the very system meant to protect victims falls short.

The main form of coercion that abusers use is psychological, aiming to manipulate and draw their victims back into their orbit of control. This is especially critical in the initial months of separation, when victims are most vulnerable. During this time, unwanted contact can severely impact the victim's recovery and safety.

We need urgent reform in the legal system to ensure that people who are held in remand or prison for abusing their partners have all unauthorized contact with their victims cut immediately. A zero-contact policy should be enforced from the moment they are taken into custody, safeguarding victims at their most critical and vulnerable times.

Statistics from organizations like Women's Aid and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence highlight that approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. Moreover, a significant portion of these cases involves abusers trying to regain control through psychological tactics.

While inmates have rights, these should not override the basic human rights of victims to live free from fear, harassment, and psychological manipulation. Allowing contact during this delicate period is a direct threat to the victim's mental health, stability, and in some severe cases, their very lives.

The system's reluctance to enforce strict no-contact orders enables perpetrators to continue their cycle of abuse. It is imperative that legal conditions are put in place immediately when someone is held in custody. This policy would serve as a preventative measure that could potentially save lives, providing victims with the peace of mind and safety they deserve.

Let's advocate together for policy changes that protect survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence from further harm. By signing this petition, you are joining forces to ensure a safer and more just system for all individuals affected by this issue. Please sign this petition to demand immediate action from justice departments and policymakers to enforce no-contact orders for individuals incarcerated for partner abuse. Your support can help drive real change and save lives.