#dvam2017

“My daughter, Nicolette 'Nikki' Elias, did everything she could legally do to protect herself and her two young daughters from her abusive ex-husband — including obtaining a restraining order against him. Despite these efforts, my beautiful Nikki was brutally gunned down by her ex-husband while their two daughters were there, who were just 7 and 8 years old at the time. He then drove my little granddaughters to his house and turned the gun on himself. In an instant, our lives were forever shattered by an abuser with a gun. Since Nikki’s death, I’ve become a passionate advocate for sensible gun laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. In 2015, I testified in favor of a bill in Oregon to close a loophole in our state gun law that allowed people with dangerous histories to buy guns from unlicensed sellers without a criminal background check. Later that year, the bill passed and is now the law. Join me and the millions of Americans dedicated to ending gun violence against women. Text JOIN to 64433.” - Madeleine Garcelon

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this week, we're sharing the stories of domestic violence survivors who are leading the charge to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Here's Christy's story: “I am a concealed carry permit holder and a gun owner. I also spent many years in the ring as a successful professional boxer. But on November 23, 2010, I literally fought for my life when my husband of 19 years tried to murder me. My ex-husband threatened my life for more than 20 years and always told me if I ever left him, he would kill me. When I finally told him I was leaving, he stabbed me four times and then shot me with my own 9mm handgun. The bullet came within four inches of my heart. Somehow, I survived, but thousands of American women are not so lucky. When an abuser has access to a gun, it’s five times more likely that the woman will be murdered. In fact, over half of all women shot and killed in this country are killed by an intimate partner or family member. I am still a gun owner and a proud supporter of the Second Amendment. But respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens does not mean we cannot prevent dangerous abusers from getting their hands on deadly weapons. That’s why I testified before Congress on the importance of The Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act that would prohibit stalkers from possessing firearms at the federal level. Women will continue to face gun violence from their abusers until Congress steps up and strengthens gun laws. Help give women a fighting chance: Text JOIN to 64433 to get involved." - Christy Salters Martin

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this week, we're sharing the stories of domestic violence survivors who are leading the charge to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Here's Lisa's story: “Gun violence touched my life for the first time when I was just 17 years old. My beloved cousin, Jay, who was like a brother to me, was shot and killed during a robbery. His death sent me into a downward spiral on a path of self-destruction. I met a man when I was 19 that I would go on to marry. When the relationship became abusive, I wanted out, but he told me he had a gun and would kill me if I left him. There was no doubt in my mind he would — when it came to abuse, he always followed up on his threats. I eventually left him and went into hiding with my son. One day, he called me and said he needed to get some important papers from the apartment we once shared. I went down to look for the papers and there he was, standing right in front of me. He came at me and beat me. I took it because I thought he might shoot me, my son, my sisters — everyone. Years later, he was shot and killed himself. No one should die from gun violence, not even him. Gun violence particularly impacts communities of color and, as a woman of color, I do everything I can to ensure the voices of gun violence victims in our communities are heard — especially those who no longer have a voice. Text JOIN to 64433 to join the movement to end gun violence.” -Lisa Good

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this week, we're sharing the stories of domestic violence survivors who are leading the charge to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Here's Giovanna's story: “When I first met the man who later became my abuser, he swept me off my feet. He was charming and friendly. I felt like I was in a fairytale. But, before I knew it, my fairytale faded into a terrifying horror story. He isolated me from my loved ones and controlled my every move. Then, the physical abuse began, and it never let up. There were consequences for anything I did or said that he didn’t like. But the physical abuse was no comparison to the terror he inflicted upon me with his gun. He would threaten to shoot himself or me, sometimes in front of my children. When the gun was drawn, I had to plead for my life or consent to whatever he wanted. The cold pressure of the gun on my temple is impossible to forget. I was eventually able to leave, but so many other victims of domestic violence are not as fortunate. Guns in the hands of domestic abusers can turn abuse into murder. When I learned the ‘Protect Rhode Island Families Act’ had been introduced to the Rhode Island Legislature, I knew I must speak up. The bill prohibit domestic abusers from having guns and requires them to turn in their guns once they become prohibited — a measure that, no doubt, will save countless lives. For nearly three years, Moms Demand Action - RI worked tirelessly, testifying at hearings, coordinating digital campaigns, and relentlessly lobbying state legislators. Earlier this year, I shared my story as testimony in support of the bill. Last month, our work paid off. The ‘Protect Rhode Island Families Act’ is now law. Make no mistake: Sharing my story is not easy. It brings back painful memories of a past I would rather not relive. But if just one life is saved by doing so, it will have been worth it. Join me: Text JOIN to 64433 to lend your voice and join the movement to end gun violence.” - Giovanna Rodriguez

Get involved with gun violence prevention in your state: Text JOIN to 64433.

- Lisette Johnson