I got involved with Moms Demand Action almost two years ago because I was concerned about mass shootings. I learned these shootings were just the tip of a public health issue involving easy access to guns in the US: the US leads developed countries on a per capital basis with more than 33,000 gun deaths every year as a result of suicide, mass shootings, domestic violence and unintentional shootings. I continue this work because I want to support the many survivors of gun violence I work with. Their stories often begin with the moment their lives changed forever with a phone as they were notified their loved one(s) had been killed or injured. Some witnessed mass shootings and others now care for the children of their family members killed.
With Mother's Day coming up, let's not forget the mothers lost to gun violence. In America, a woman's most likely reason for dying in pregnancy is due to violence by an intimate partner. A majority of fatal domestic violence is committed with firearms; in turn, gun violence against women in America is inextricably linked to domestic violence. At least 52 percent of American women killed with guns are killed by intimate partners or family members. An Everytown analysis of every mass shooting between 2009-15 found that 57 percent were committed by intimate partners or family.
Background checks save lives. Since 1998, background checks have prevented 300,000 domestic abusers from purchasing a gun. Let's keep the momentum going in Oregon and work to close the Charlestown loophole, boyfriend/stalker loophole and require State Police to notify local law enforcement if someone doesn't pass a background check. Let your Oregon Senator know you support former Senate Bill 797 as it waits for a hearing in the rules committee.
Please considering a donation to Moms Demand Action with a donation of any size; started the day after Sandy Hook 4 short years ago, we've grown by leaps and bounds. Your support will benefit the Oregon chapter.
Thanks!.