October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Jason, An average of 24 people per minute are victims of sexual assault, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in this country. Domestic violence does not discriminate by gender, or age or zip code – and we also know that domestic violence and unsecured access to a firearm are the two leading indicators of intimate partner murder. Firearms are used to commit more than three in five intimate partner homicides in the US. And here in Maine, the vast majority of homicides are linked to domestic violence. These statistics are devastating, but they also point to opportunities for prevention. Extreme Risk Protection Order laws empower families, survivors, and law enforcement to step in when someone may be a threat to themselves or others and prevent someone, who a court deems dangerous, from accessing firearms. Secure storage can introduce enough time delay and physical barriers to disrupt instances of impulsive or emotion-driven acts of violence enough to prevent them. Our 72 Hour Waiting Period can prevent an abuser buying a firearm during a moment of rage – significantly reducing the likelihood of an escalation ending in homicide. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s talk openly about firearm access, secure storage and Extreme Risk Protection Orders, and the practical steps that can help keep people alive long enough for a crisis to pass. There are two concrete things you can do: Secure your firearm today and talk to friends and family with firearms about the importance of secure storage. Learn about how Extreme Risk Protection Orders work so when you see a loved one in crisis and you know that a firearm is involved, you can help. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 Our work to prevent gun deaths at the Alliance is made possible thanks to support from people like you. If you’d like to join our efforts, you can click here to donate. DONATE Thank you, Maine Gun Safety Coalition     DONATE This email was sent to jasonsc.bolts14@blogger.com. Click here if you'd like to unsubscribe. We try to send only the most important information and opportunities to participate via email. To support MGSC with a contribution, click here. Paid for by Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence. PO Box 92 Portland, ME 04112