Petitions for Change
Survivor-led advocacy for justice reform and healing in Aotearoa.
Driving Healing in Aotearoa
At The Road to Healing Aotearoa, petitions are one of the most powerful ways we drive survivor-led justice reform and collective healing in Aotearoa.
Each initiative calls for a justice system that truly recognises the lifelong impact of sexual harm, holds offenders accountable, and centres survivor healing.
Current Petitions
- Minimum 8-Year Sentence for Sexual Offending — Sponsored for Parliament hearing.
- Ban on Character References During Sexual Offending Sentencing.
These petitions advocate for stronger accountability, survivor protection, and a justice system that recognises the impact of sexual harm.
Each one is a step toward justice and collective healing in Aotearoa.
Petition for 8-Year Minimum Sentences (2025)
Implement a minimum sentence of eight years for sexual offending.
This official petition to the New Zealand Parliament was created by Sam Troth, founder of The Road to Healing Aotearoa, calling for tougher penalties for sexual offenders.
It urges a mandatory minimum prison term of eight years (with no probation) for anyone convicted of sexual offences.
The petition gained over 5,000 signatures nationwide as Sam walked the length of Aotearoa to raise awareness.
Petition to Ban Character References in Sentencing (2025)
Ban character references from consideration when sentencing sexual offenders.
This survivor-driven petition calls on Parliament to prohibit the use of “good character” references to reduce sentences for convicted sexual offenders.
It aligns with The Road to Healing Aotearoa’s #YourReferenceAintRelevant campaign, which demands sentencing reforms that center survivor wellbeing over offender reputation.
This petition is still open and collecting signatures. Add your signature now and support survivors all over Aotearoa.
Petition Updates
News Item: Petition to Parliament
A survivor-led petition calling for stronger sentencing for sexual offending in Aotearoa will be formally received in Parliament - marking an important milestone in the movement to strengthen justice, accountability, and safety for survivors.
Early Advocacy Efforts
Related News Coverage
Chris Lynch Media – “Sex abuse survivor walking from Cape Reinga to the Beehive to demand tougher sentencing” (Apr 2025)
Highlights Sam’s journey to deliver his petition and 5,000 signatures calling for reform.
Waikato Wellbeing Project – “Lots of Little Fires: The Road to Healing Aotearoa” (May 2025)
Chronicles Sam’s evolution from survivor to advocate and his mission to shift sentencing priorities from offender welfare to survivor healing.
Join the Movement for Healing in Aotearoa
Every signature, every voice, and every act of support moves us closer to justice, awareness, and collective healing in Aotearoa.
