I am a survivor of child sexual abuse. I carried this heavy silence for too long, seeing its consequences inflict harm on those close to me, my daughter and step grandson, both victims of physical abuse. Now, I stand to break this silence. I long to be the voice for victims who live in fear, those who worry that the law is not on our side. It's time for this change, time for us to demand stricter penalties for child abusers.

In America, studies show that a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds, and on average, between four and seven children die every day as a result of child abuse and neglect [Childhelp org., American SPCC]. This painful reality only emphasizes the need for a stronger law, one that can act as a watchdog for the innocence trampled upon. With the rise of child abuse cases, we must turn our collective outrage into action.

Making laws more severe for child abusers will not only bring justice to the survivors but will also work as a major deterrence, making potential perpetrators reconsider their actions. The time for intervention is now. Let us be the voice for the speechless, the strength for the weak.

I invite you to join me, to help victims rise above fear, to assure them that they are protected by the law. So let us roar until we can't go unheard! Please sign so we can make our demand for stricter penalties for child abusers heard in the heart of our legislative body.