Note: This message contains descriptions of domestic violence.

John–

My sister and I were both victims of domestic violence.

On July 18, 1993 my sister was brutally murdered in her home in Washington, D.C. by her husband; he shot her four times at close range. Her two children—who were 8 and 3 at the time—saw it happen.

And I too have been held at gunpoint by my now ex-husband.

John, I know too well what happens when the law fails to disarm domestic abusers. That's why I urge you to tell Congress to take action and stop this crisis. Send your U.S. representative a message: Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and disarm domestic abusers.

Right now, there are loopholes in federal laws that allow certain domestic abusers to retain ownership of their firearms simply because they are not married, even though they are just as likely as a spouse to kill their partner. These loopholes are a death sentence to many American women.

Our lawmakers will soon vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, a bill which would close the dating partner and stalker loopholes in federal law. We need to make sure that happens. Tell your U.S. representative: Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and disarm domestic abusers.

John, my life has never been the same since my sister, Lynda, was taken from me. Even though almost 28 years have passed, it still feels like yesterday.

And as close as we were, we never shared our stories of domestic violence with one another.

Now, I live each day to keep her legacy alive by telling her story and advocating for change.

John, join me in telling your U.S. representative: Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and disarm domestic abusers.

Thank you for taking action, and for honoring the memory of my sister and countless other women like her.

Lisa Council
2021 Everytown Survivor Fellow
Read my Moments That Survive story

P.S. If you or someone you know is being mistreated or hurt by a partner, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline available 24/7 by calling 1-800-799-7233 or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can chat online at thehotline.org.