This petition shares the harrowing story of Josie, a 16 year-old girl who bravely reported sexual assault at the age of 12 only to experience further trauma; the alleged perpetrator, a person she once trusted, was acquitted and walked free. After a gruelling 4 year journey through the justice system, this sweet girl is left feeling unheard and disbelieved.

We, through this petition, aim to support survivors like our brave girl, sending a resounding message - we hear you, we believe you, and we support you. We call for a collective affirmation for all survivors who have felt unheard and eclipsed by injustice. We demand support structures within communities to address these issues openly and to validate the voices of these young victims.

This injustice is unfortunately not unique. One in 10 children will be the victim of sexual abuse before their 18th birthday, according to Darkness to Light, a non-profit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse. Furthermore, UNICEF reports that globally, accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence against children is astonishingly low. This lack of accountability sends harmful messages to survivors, often leading them to feel isolated and disbelieved.

Please help us send a powerful message that every survivor is believed, their experiences are valid, and they are not alone. Sign the petition to ensure every young victim of assault is validated and supported and please leave a note of support for our Josie to read to know she is loved, believed, and not alone.