Have you or someone you know been the victim of domestic abuse? You are sadly not alone.
Almost 1 in 4 American women (24.3%) aged 18 and older have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Nearly 6 million women in the United States today report having been threatened with a gun by an intimate partner (this counts as emotional abuse and trauma even if no physical injuries are inflicted). Every month, an average of 76 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner.
Domestic violence does not discriminate
Domestic violence affects women of all races, income levels, geography, and religion. (That said, women from communities with histories of racial discrimination—often intertwined with higher poverty rates—have less access to protective services that reduce the risk of lethal violence making it more likely to become victims.)
Turning to guns for protection makes things worse
As an American woman, these are terrifying realities to live with. Many women turn to firearms to protect themselves, but this often results in more violence against them. Studies show that women who purchased a gun died by firearm homicide at twice the rate of women who did not.
Legislation can make a huge impact
Abusers with firearms are five times more likely to kill their female victims. Supporting legislation that aims to remove guns from the domestic violence equation is a powerful way to decrease the mortality rate.
Below are two bills currently pending in the Virginia General Assembly. If they pass both congressional bodies, they will be sent to Governor Youngkin to approve or veto.
HB 1869 & SB 883: Closing the boyfriend loophole
This bill ensures that intimate partner, or dating relationships, are included in the definition of domestic violence and firearms prohibitions are applicable. (For example, this bill would include a relationship where a woman cohabitates with her boyfriend.)
Given that marriage rates have been declining for years as rates of cohabitation rises, the “boyfriend loophole” leaves a massive part of the population unprotected; this bill aims to fix that.
HB 1960 & SB 744: Protect domestic violence survivors.
This bill establishes a clear process to separate a person from their firearms who has been convicted of a domestic violence offense, or who is subject to a protective order. It strengthens protections for domestic violence survivors and could make the difference between life and death for women living in fear of their partner.
How to show your support for these bills
Call Governor Youngkin (804-786-2211) and ask him to NOT use his veto on these bills. Call daily, call weekly, do what works for your schedule--I like to call while commuting!
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