Don't let #abusers keep #deadly #firearms

Domestic Violence Is Already Terrifying. Even Worse, It Often Escalates to Gun Violence. Demand An End to Abusers Owning Firearms! Sign Now Dear friends, Gun violence and domestic violence have a horrifyingly close relationship, one that we need to address in order to protect women and other victims of domestic abuse. Violence against women is a common factor that links perpetrators of mass shootings. Nikolas Cruz, the shooter in Parkland, Florida, abused his ex-girlfriend before he took the lives of 17 men and women. So did Devin Patrick Kelley, who killed 26 people at a Texas church in 2017. In fact, according to studies, 54% of U.S. mass shooters had committed domestic or family abuse before moving on to their infamous gun crimes. Even if they don't go on to become mass-murderers, when domestic abusers have access to guns, it increases the threat they pose to their (often female) victims. Trying to survive or escape an angry, abusive partner is already terrifying on its own, let alone if that person is still allowed to buy, possess, and use weapons of murder — especially firearms. We don't have to sit back and permit domestic abusers to have unfettered access to guns. In fact, in 2018, New York state passed a law that not only ensures abusers won't get their hands on new guns — something currently regulated under federal law — but also requires domestic abusers to hand over all firearms that are currently in their possession. This is a hugely important piece of legislation, and one that needs to be replicated nationally. Sign the petition to urge governors across the U.S. to follow New York's lead and keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Thank you,   Ellen B. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. It's time to break the cycle of domestic abuse and gun violence. Demand an end to the system that allows violent abusers to own deadly firearms!