What’s at stake as the Supreme Court considers a domestic violence gun case this term

The moments that shape our future

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Dear John,

This Domestic Violence Awareness month, I’m thinking about the moments that shape our country’s critically important work to prevent violence and heal survivors. I recently reflected on one of those moments in Ms. Magazine, writing about the long fight to pass the Violence Against Women Act, which was as meaningful as it was improbable. That landmark law gave us a foundation of federal support for the work to stop domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and harassment. We’ve been building on that foundation ever since.

Now, another pivotal moment is fast approaching. The U.S. Supreme Court will consider United States v. Rahimi this term, with oral arguments set for November 7 and a ruling expected next spring or early summer. In this case, the Court will determine whether the Second Amendment allows Congress to prohibit people subject to domestic violence protective orders from having firearms. An adverse ruling would result in many more women and children being injured and killed.

Firearms are the most common weapons used in domestic violence homicides. The Supreme Court must overturn the 5th Circuit in U.S. v. Rahimi to protect survivors of abuse and keep our children and communities safer.

The data is very clear:

Firearms are the most common weapons used in domestic violence homicides.
The mere presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed.
Nearly 1 million U.S. women alive today have been shot or shot at by an intimate partner.
Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in the United States.
More than 8 in 10 Americans agree: People who commit domestic abuse shouldn’t have guns.

That’s why we’re urging the Supreme Court to allow Congress to keep firearms out of the hands of abusers. And we’re reminding the justices that this decision will have life and death consequences, for adults and children facing domestic violence and for our communities.

FUTURES has launched a new campaign to help people speak out on this issue. Please, visit our new website, share it, and help us send a message that nobody can ignore!

Thank you, as always, for your support!

In Solidarity,

Esta Soler
Founder & President

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