Your Voice is Needed to Prevent Domestic Violence Homicides

Gun-groups are opposing commonsense legislation. Legislators need to hear from you, now.

Legislation, which has drawn bipartisan support, is pending in the state legislature. Opponents of gun regulation have taken a hardline stance. Legislators need to hear from citizens who are concerned by the growing rate of domestic violence homicides. Call or email your legislators, now.

Between 2000 and 2008, 156 domestic violence victims in Wisconsin have lost their lives because abusers had easy access to guns. Guns are domestic abusers' weapon of choice, with more domestic homicides being committed with guns than by all other means combined.

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 violence homicides. In about the past the last year, at least 8 people have been killed because enforcement of the laws was ineffective. The problem continues, as 2009 was a record year for domestic violence homicides, and 2010 is on pace to exceed that level.

Ask your legislators to support AB 558, AB 559, SB 380 and 381. See below for talking points. (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 support AB 558, AB 559, SB 380.

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 Wisconsin, more domestic violence homicides are committed with guns than by all other methods combined.

6) Domestic violence homicides are at a ten year high. We need effective laws to prevent more killings.

7) An abused woman who has a gun in her home is six to eight times more likely to be killed than an abused woman who lives in a home without a gun.

Details

Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Prevention Act

(AB 559 and SB 381)

Current Law: Wisconsin law prohibits an abuser who is subject to a domestic abuse or child abuse restraining order, or in some cases a harassment restraining order, from possessing a firearm.

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.

The Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Enforcement Act

(AB 558 and SB 380)

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.

The Solution: The Act creates a state law, which mirrors the existing federal law. Enactment of a state law will allow local law enforcement to efficiently and effectively enforce the existing prohibition. These officials are the experts, who respond to domestic violence every day.