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During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Taskforce Co-Chairs Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04) reintroduced a resolution recognizing the intersection of gun violence, misogyny, and violence against women.

“People with a history of domestic violence shouldn’t have access to guns – period. The evidence is clear and convincing that the presence of a firearm in an abusive situation makes homicide five times more likely,” said Rep. Dingell. “Congress must act to close loopholes in the law that allow abusers to access guns and put women and families in danger. We must also confront the root causes of domestic violence, understanding the way individuals who exhibit misogynistic tendencies toward women often go on to commit violence against them.”

“Intimate partner violence and domestic violence homicides are at alarming levels in Milwaukee, and this scourge is taking away loved ones and hurting our community. Nationwide, every 12 hours, someone is fatally shot by an intimate partner. That’s unacceptable when stronger gun safety laws can help prevent these tragedies. This resolution draws needed attention to the issue of gender-based violence and the forces driving it,” said Rep. Moore.

The resolution is endorsed by the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 1 in 3 women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, including sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking. Intimate partner violence is the leading cause of fatalities among women. Nearly half of all female homicide victims between 2003 and 2014 were killed by intimate partners, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  This resolution calls for further legislation to prevent abusers from having access to guns and encourages further research into the intersection of gun violence, misogyny, and violence against women.

Read the full text of the resolution here.