We must lengthen the time period allowed to prosecute domestic violence crimes.

The Issue

I am a survivor of a six-year long domestic violence relationship. The question "why did you stay?" echoes in my mind, and I've asked myself that countless times. My abuser almost took my life, beating my head into the ground repeatedly while I pleaded for mercy. The aftermath left me needing to relearn basic functions like walking and coping with emotional, mental, and physical scars that still haunt me today.

The abuse didn't stop there; manipulation was another weapon used against me. Eventually, I managed to break free from this cycle of torment and go no contact. However, despite everything he put me through, he walks free - just like so many others who inflict such harm.

This is not just about my story but also about countless other survivors who have experienced similar traumas. It's time we address the inadequacy of our legal system when it comes to domestic violence crimes.

Currently, the statute of limitations for these crimes is woefully short in many jurisdictions across our nation (source: National Conference of State Legislatures). This often leaves victims unable to seek justice due to various factors such as fear or manipulation by their abusers.

We must extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence crimes to ensure that survivors have ample time to come forward and seek justice without feeling rushed or pressured by an arbitrary timeline set by law.

By signing this petition, you are standing with survivors everywhere who deserve justice no matter how long it takes them to find their voice again after enduring such traumatic experiences. Please sign this petition today; let us make sure every survivor has a chance at justice.

avatar of the starter
Joni HashPetition Starter
This petition had 624 supporters

The Issue

I am a survivor of a six-year long domestic violence relationship. The question "why did you stay?" echoes in my mind, and I've asked myself that countless times. My abuser almost took my life, beating my head into the ground repeatedly while I pleaded for mercy. The aftermath left me needing to relearn basic functions like walking and coping with emotional, mental, and physical scars that still haunt me today.

The abuse didn't stop there; manipulation was another weapon used against me. Eventually, I managed to break free from this cycle of torment and go no contact. However, despite everything he put me through, he walks free - just like so many others who inflict such harm.

This is not just about my story but also about countless other survivors who have experienced similar traumas. It's time we address the inadequacy of our legal system when it comes to domestic violence crimes.

Currently, the statute of limitations for these crimes is woefully short in many jurisdictions across our nation (source: National Conference of State Legislatures). This often leaves victims unable to seek justice due to various factors such as fear or manipulation by their abusers.

We must extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence crimes to ensure that survivors have ample time to come forward and seek justice without feeling rushed or pressured by an arbitrary timeline set by law.

By signing this petition, you are standing with survivors everywhere who deserve justice no matter how long it takes them to find their voice again after enduring such traumatic experiences. Please sign this petition today; let us make sure every survivor has a chance at justice.

avatar of the starter
Joni HashPetition Starter

The Decision Makers

Maryland State Senate
7 Members
Bryan Simonaire
Maryland State Senate - District 31
Jason Gallion
Maryland State Senate - District 35
Stephen Hershey
Maryland State Senate - District 36
U.S. House of Representatives
4 Members
Jamie Raskin
U.S. House of Representatives - Maryland 8th Congressional District
Kweisi Mfume
U.S. House of Representatives - Maryland 7th Congressional District
Steny Hoyer
U.S. House of Representatives - Maryland 5th Congressional District
Former U.S. House of Representatives
2 Members
David Trone
Former U.S. House of Representatives - Maryland 6th Congressional District
C.A. Ruppersberger
Former U.S. House of Representatives - Maryland 2nd Congressional District
Bryan Shupe
Delaware House of Representatives - District 36
Sarah Elfreth
Former Maryland State Senate - District 30

Petition Updates