TATU's Law: Justice and Healing for Survivors — A Statewide Petition to End Domestic & Dating Violence Murders

TATU's Law: Justice and Healing for Survivors — A Statewide Petition to End Domestic & Dating Violence Murders

Petition Creator: Atara Estes, Missouri Resident, Survivor Advocate, and Founder of TATU: Thriving After Trauma Unashamed

 
To the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Department of Public Safety, and Statewide Lawmakers:

We, the undersigned residents of Missouri, call for the immediate consideration and passage of TATU’s Law, a survivor-led legislative solution addressing the rising crisis of domestic and dating violence — including invisible abuse, murder-suicide tragedies, and emotional trauma.

Every 16 hours, an American woman is shot and killed by a current or former partner. Many of these women showed no visible signs of abuse. In Missouri, this crisis is growing — and our state must lead the way with meaningful policy rooted in prevention, protection, and healing.

TATU's Law is based on the lived experience of survivors and builds from trauma-informed care, Community Health Worker (CHW) peer models, and national best practices. It honors the invisible stories — and offers visible change.

 
What TATU’s Law Will Do in Missouri:

1. Criminal Justice Reform

Enforce life without parole for domestic/dating violence-related murders.
Close the murder-suicide loophole to ensure abusers are still held accountable through civil court.
Allow civil lawsuits against abuser estates and enablers.
Enforce household responsibility laws when known violent individuals are allowed access to weapons.


2. Victim & Family Protection

Issue emergency no-contact orders and provide free relocation services.
Launch a statewide anti-retaliation protection law for survivor families.
Offer free legal aid, CHW-led advocacy, and trauma-informed support.


3. Prevention Through TATU LifeLine

Fund a Missouri-based 24/7 crisis line: TATU LifeLine for:

People feeling unsafe or at risk
Those experiencing uncontrollable emotional triggers
Anonymous community tips
Provide education on emotional regulation, healthy boundaries, and conflict de-escalation.
Partner with CHWs to intervene non-clinically and connect families to healing before tragedy.


4. Safe Housing Access Using SafeNight

Integrate SafeNight app across all counties to allow emergency hotel stays for survivors when shelters are full.
Fund CHW responders and partner agencies to activate SafeNight placements.


5. Statewide Trauma Recovery Model

Fund TATU Healing Circles and trauma recovery centers.
Provide peer support groups, youth education, and spiritual or cultural healing options.
 
Why Missouri Needs TATU’s Law:

Missouri ranks among the highest in domestic violence-related homicides.
Current laws overlook emotional violence, digital escalation, and hidden abuse.
Families are left unprotected, unsupported, and retraumatized.
Survivors are blamed or shamed — while abusers exploit legal gaps.
TATU's Law will position Missouri as a national leader in trauma-informed justice, emotional health advocacy, and survivor-led solutions.

 
We, the undersigned, support TATU’s Law and urge the Missouri General Assembly to:

Sponsor and draft a comprehensive bill based on this petition
Host community hearings with survivors and CHWs
Pass legislation to save lives and support healing in every county of Missouri
“This law isn’t just about punishment. It’s about prevention, protection, and promise.”


Add your name. Raise your voice. Help us make Missouri safer for everyone.