Violence Against Women

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Christin was a 35-year old mother of two from Washington who appealed to the courts for protection against her ex-partner who had already been convicted of stalking in a previous relationship.

Five days later, she was found dead in her home - a murder-suicide made possible because of lax laws that enable deadly violence against women trying to escape dangerous relationships.

Tragically, her story is far too common. In the United States, 76% of female homicide victims are stalked before their death, and the vast majority of their assailants use a gun to carry out the crime.

It’s time for Congress to protect women from gun violence.

Current law prevents domestic violence offenders or those under a restraining order from possessing firearms.

The legislation, named after the late Senator Frank Lautenberg, saves lives, but it is due for an update.

Far too often, domestic abusers will plead down to a lesser charge … like stalking.

During my time in Arizona’s State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, I used my voice and my vote to protect victims of domestic violence, and I see this letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee as an extension of that work.

I hope you’ll add your name to it today:

http://action.americansforresponsiblesolutions.org/domestic-violence-letter

The gun lobby would say that women should arm themselves for protection, but studies show that keeping guns out of the hands of their abusers is a more effective way of keeping women safe.

Congress should act to keep women safer, and - working with you - I will be calling on them to do so in the year ahead.

Thank you for joining me,