NCADV and the Brady Center Testify on the Critical Intersection of Domestic Violence and Firearms During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DENVER and WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today marks the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence have focused on educating policy makers and the public about the deadly mix of domestic violence and firearms, and policy solutions that can be enacted to address this issue and save lives.  These efforts culminated last week at a Congressional field hearing where leaders of both organizations testified about the scope of the public health epidemic caused by guns.

Earlier in October, NCADV announced, in partnership with the Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (EFSGV), the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Foundation, and Prosecutors Against Gun Violence (PAGV), the creation of the first comprehensive website about domestic violence protective order enforcements and firearm surrender. The DisarmDV website, to launch in September 2018, will be a user-friendly, first-of-its-kind tool to compare firearm removal laws between states. "This website and the tools it offers will be instrumental in assisting those who must respond quickly and appropriately to ensure victims' and survivors' safety. Helping others understand how to proceed in the safe and expedient removal of firearms and identification of best practices will save lives," said Ruth Glenn, Executive Director, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

The Brady Center released a new report this month, which shines a light on the tragic implications of what happens when domestic abusers have access to firearms. The report outlines troubling loopholes in the current Brady background check system that allow stalkers and certain individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors to purchase and use guns to threaten, injure, and kill victims of abuse, and how we can work together at the state and federal level to close them. Brady Canter Co-President, Kris Brown, said upon the report's release, "This year alone, over 500 people have been killed during a domestic violence incident using a gun. That is tragic and unacceptable, but not inevitable. We know what must be done to close the dangerous loopholes in our system and strengthen Brady background checks so that we keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. It's time to get to work to do exactly that."

The forum, hosted by the Congressional Energy and Commerce Committee, brought together  congressional, academic and advocacy leaders including Kris Brown from the Brady Center and   Ruth M. Glenn, NCADV Executive Director, who had this to say about the issue,"We can make a difference if we treat the intersection of gun violence and domestic violence like the public health crisis it is and put resources and federal funding into research of causes and prevention.  Our nation must take a stand and work to ensure safety for women, children and others in the future." 

About the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) is the voice of victims and survivors and works as the catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence. NCADV does this by affecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive change. For more information about NCADV, visit www.ncadv.org and follow us at @NCADV.

About the Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence

The mission of the Brady organization and its Million Mom March is to create a safer America by cutting gun deaths in half by 2025. For more insight on  gun violence prevention, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BradyBuzz.

The Brady Campaign and Center, united with the Million Mom March, is a national network of over 90 grassroots chapter affiliates mobilized to prevent gun violence at the community level. The network has played a vital role in expanding Brady background checks in the six states that have passed legislation since the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut and produced the largest national protest of gun violence in U.S. history - The Million Mom March, Mother's Day 2000.

SOURCE The Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence