When I was subjected to a traumatic episode of sexual violence, the immediate end of the threat did not mark the end of my suffering. Like me, thousands of survivors across New Zealand endure the aftermath of sexual violation, a reality that extends far beyond the physical act. This emotional and psychological burden often spans years, and in some cases, lasts a lifetime. It is a plight that is heartbreakingly common, yet the support from our justice system often falls short.

Currently, New Zealand's sentencing laws for rape, sexual violation, and child sexual abuse do not adequately reflect the severe impact these crimes have on the lives of survivors. While the perpetrators may serve their time, they walk free, moving forward with their lives, often with sentences that seem disproportionately lenient compared to the harm inflicted. This disparity leaves survivors feeling that the justice system has minimized their trauma and invalidated their pain.

Statistics from the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey report that only a fraction of sexual violence cases result in convictions, and of those, the sentencing averages tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum compared to similar jurisdictions internationally. This is not just a failure of justice; it is an illustration of the urgent need for reform. Survivors should feel empowered, knowing that the law stands unequivocally with them.

I am calling on lawmakers to revisit and strengthen legal frameworks around sentencing for sexual crimes. This includes reviewing existing penalties, implementing minimum sentence requirements that align with international standards, and ensuring that judges are provided with guidelines that emphasize the severe impacts on survivors. By doing so, we can create a justice system that truly acknowledges the experiences of survivors and upholds the seriousness of these crimes.

This petition is a call not only for justice but for recognition and healing. Every survivor deserves to have their experience validated by a justice system that comprehensively supports them and deters future crimes. By raising our voices collectively, we can push for changes that ensure our laws reflect the gravity of these crimes.

Please sign this petition to demand stronger sentencing laws for rape, sexual violation, and child sexual abuse in New Zealand. Together, we can make our country safer and show survivors that their experiences and healing matter.