When my son was 11 years old, he survived the unimaginable: sexual abuse at a children's hospital in Los Angeles, California. This traumatic experience in a place meant for care and healing has not only scarred him but also opened our eyes to a systemic crisis that needs immediate attention. Hospitals, schools, and detention centers are supposed to be safe havens for our children, yet they can become places of horror when individuals responsible for their care exploit their power.

It's time for us to address the rampant issue of sexual abuse within institutions meant for nurturing and protecting our youth. We are calling for immediate and decisive action to prevent further abuse and to bring justice to the victims. Our demand is clear: enforce severe administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions against any individual—be it an administrator, teacher, medical staff, or institutional personnel—who participates in covering up abuse, tampers with records, or intimidates and harasses victims and their families.

Adding layers of accountability, we propose the permanent disqualification from working with minors for any individual involved in such heinous acts. Furthermore, these cover-ups should not go unpunished; all those found guilty should face stringent legal consequences that include prison sentences to serve as a credible deterrence.

According to reports from credible sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, childhood and adolescent sexual abuse remains a persistent issue that institutions sometimes poorly handle. In many cases, those responsible for reporting and preventing abuse have instead silenced victims and destroyed evidence. This moral failure makes it more pressing to demand immediate reforms that prioritize the well-being and safety of children over the reputation of institutions.

We must act now to ensure no child experiences what my son has endured. By uniting our voices, we can push for a change that will protect countless children from becoming victims. Please join me in fighting for justice and safety in our institutions. Sign this petition to hold those accountable who facilitate abuse, and let us create environments where our children can truly thrive in trust and safety. Together, our collective voices will make a difference.