By Dave Beatty, Founder of Riders Against Domestic Violence (RADV)
Every time another survivor tells me, “There was nothing anyone could do,” I ask myself the same question:
Why?
Domestic violence is one of the few crimes where people are often expected to gather overwhelming evidence before they are believed. Survivors are told to document everything, save every text message, record every threat, keep journals, and wait until there is enough proof.
But how much suffering should someone have to endure before the law steps in?
The reality is that many survivors are not only facing physical violence. They are living through coercive control, stalking, intimidation, financial abuse, emotional abuse, digital harassment, and constant fear. Many of these behaviors may not leave bruises, but they leave scars that last a lifetime.
Laws have made important progress over the years, and countless judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, advocates, and attorneys work tirelessly to protect victims every day. They deserve recognition for that work.
Yet survivors continue to tell us the same story.
“I reported it.”
“They said there wasn’t enough evidence.”
“I had to wait.”
“I was afraid to go home.”
Those words should concern every one of us.
No survivor should have to wonder whether the system will protect them before tragedy strikes.
At RADV, we believe laws should continue evolving to reflect what survivors actually experience.
That means looking at questions like:
- Should coercive control be recognized more consistently under the law?
- Should stalking and repeated intimidation be addressed earlier before violence escalates?
- Should victims have better access to emergency legal protections?
- Should every survivor have access to an advocate who can help them navigate the legal system?
- Should courts receive more training on the dynamics of trauma and domestic abuse?
These are conversations worth having.
This is not about taking away anyone’s rights.
It is about making sure survivors have the same opportunity to live safely as everyone else.
No law will ever prevent every act of abuse.
But better laws can save lives.
Better training can save lives.
Better resources can save lives.
Better awareness can save lives.
Every survivor deserves to know that when they reach out for help, someone will listen, someone will care, and someone will act.
If our laws leave survivors feeling invisible, then we still have work to do.
At Riders Against Domestic Violence, we will continue advocating for survivors, educating communities, and being the bridge between those in crisis and the resources that can help.
Because protecting survivors should never be controversial.
It should simply be the right thing to do.
We are the bridge.
If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available at RADV.org.