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More than 70. John, that's how many women are shot and killed by an intimate partner every month in the United States. That's more than 70 mothers and daughters, sisters and best friends, cousins and colleagues taken from the world too soon every single month. Each of these lives are woven tightly into the fabric of their families and our communities. The traumatic ripple effects of guns in the hands of abusive partners affect all of us—children who witness or live with it and the family members, coworkers, and law enforcement officers who respond to it. This October, for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and every other month of the year, it is critical that we draw attention to this crisis impacting so many families across the country. We know that a woman is five times more likely to be killed by an abusive intimate partner if they have access to a gun—but we also know that even if a gun is present in the home, keeping it securely stored can prevent unintentional shootings and delay access by someone who wishes to harm themselves and others. As Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, I'm privileged to witness first-hand the work our network of volunteers is doing to prevent domestic violence—through educating communities about the importance of secure storage, supporting community violence intervention programs, and helping pass laws ensuring domestic abusers do not have access to firearms. Gun safety advocates like you are working, right now, to prevent more senseless tragedies. Join them to help create a safer world for your community.
Thank you for being a part of the change we need. Angela Ferrell-Zabala P.S. Follow me on Instagram to watch our movement take action this October. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, available 24/7, for confidential assistance from a trained advocate. You can also find more resources on legal assistance in English and Spanish at WomensLaw.org.  |
