Since 2000, 156 domestic violence victims in
Right now, there are laws on the books that are meant to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. However, tragically, these laws are not--and in some cases cannot--be effectively enforced
The legislation being introduced in the state legislature will help ensure that these existing laws actually do what they are supposed to--prevent domestic homicides. In the past 12 months, at least 5 people have been killed because enforcement of the laws was ineffective.
Ask your legislators to co-sponsor LRB 3659 and LRB 3399. See below for talking points and a sample email. (please email tonyg@wcadv.org after your contact)
Talking Points
1) "Hello, my name is ____ and I am a constituent, from [your town or city and program, if applicable]."
2) "I urge Representative or Senator [last name] to co-sponsor LRB 3659 and LRB 3399 from Sen. Taylor and Representatives Bernard Schaber and Staskunas.
3) The legislation only creates procedures and legal authority so that the laws we already have to protect victims and prevent domestic violence homicides actually work.
4) The bills will not affect the rights of anyone who is currently legally allowed to possess a gun.
5) Nationally and in
6) Since 2000, 156 victims were killed because abusers in
7) An abused woman who has a gun in her home is six times more likely to be killed than an abused woman who lives in a home without a gun.
Sample Email
Dear Representative/Senator [Name]:
I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor LRB 3659 and LRB 3399 from Sen. Taylor and Representatives Bernard Schaber. My name is [Your Name] from [city and program, if applicable].
These bills will help enforce current laws, which are intended to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Since 2000, 156 victims have died because an abuser had easy access to a firearm. A significant portion of these murders were committed by individuals who were legally barred from possessing a firearm because of a previous domestic abuse conviction or active restraining order. For example, in the past twelve months, at least five fatal domestic violence shootings were committed by individuals who were legally prohibited from possessing the murder weapon because of a history of domestic violence.
LRB 3659 and LRB 3399 will not affect the rights of anyone who is currently legally allowed to possess a gun. The legislation only creates procedures and legal authority so that the laws we have to protect victims and prevent domestic violence homicides actually work.
If you would like more information you can contact me or the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence at 608.255.0539.
Again, I urge you to co-sponsor this life-saving legislation. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name, City]
Details
The Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Procedure Act
Current Law:
The Problem: Very few counties have a procedure in place to ensure that the abuser has surrendered the firearms in accordance with current law. Judges do not believe they have the legal authority to directly enforce the surrender orders.
The Solution: The Act creates a procedure to confirm that the abuser has surrendered the firearms in accordance with current law. If the firearms are not surrendered, the abuser is required to appear in court, so that surrender can be arranged.
Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Enforcement Act
Current Law: Federal law provides that a perpetrator who is convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor is prohibited from possessing a gun.
The Problem: Local and federal law enforcement officers cannot effectively enforce the current federal law. Federal officials lack the personnel and resources. State officials are unable to make arrests and initiate prosecutions under the federal law.
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