WASHINGTON ,
June 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Supreme Court of
the United States delivered a
ruling in the case of US v. Rahimi, upholding the constitutionality
of 18 U.S.C. ยง 922(g)(8), which prohibits individuals subject to
domestic-violence protective orders from possessing firearms. This
case originated in Texas,
highlighting the state's pivotal role in shaping national policy on
domestic violence.
National Statistics:
- Two-thirds of women killed by an intimate partner are
killed with a gun.1
- Access to a gun makes it 5x more likely that a woman
will die at the hands of a domestic abuser.2
- Every month, an average of 70 women are shot and
killed by an intimate partner.3
Texas Advocacy Project, the leading Texas-based advocacy organization for domestic
violence support and prevention, commends the Court for its
decision, which prioritizes the safety and protection of domestic
violence survivors across the nation.
This ruling reaffirms the critical importance of firearm
restrictions for individuals who pose a significant threat to their
intimate partners. Protective orders are a vital tool in
safeguarding victims of domestic violence, and the prohibition on
firearm possession by abusers under these orders is an essential
component of these protections.
In 2023, Texas Advocacy Project and a coalition* of dedicated
non-profit organizations across the nation filed an amicus
brief in US v. Rahimi to advocate for the safety and
protection of domestic violence survivors through appropriate
firearm regulations. The brief, submitted to the Supreme Court of
the United States, addressed the
Fifth Circuit's ruling and emphasized the importance of preventing
individuals who have committed or threatened family violence from
accessing firearms during the period they are under a protective
order.
"We are immensely grateful for the Supreme Court's
recognition of the inherent dangers faced by domestic violence
survivors," said Heather
Bellino, Chief Executive Officer of Texas Advocacy Project.
"In Texas, where the intersection of domestic violence and
firearm access is a pressing issue, this decision is crucial. It
ensures that those who have been deemed a threat cannot possess
firearms, thereby reducing the risk of further harm or
fatality."
Bronwyn Blake, Chief Legal
Officer of Texas Advocacy Project, added, "This ruling is a
monumental step forward in protecting the lives of domestic
violence survivors in Texas and
beyond. It underscores the necessity of strong legal measures to
prevent abusers from accessing firearms, which are too often used
to perpetuate violence. Our commitment to providing legal and
social services to those in need remains unwavering."
The intersection of domestic violence and firearm access is
well-documented, with numerous studies4 showing a
significant increase in the likelihood of homicide when abusers
have access to guns. Today's ruling is a crucial step in our
ongoing efforts to protect survivors and prevent domestic
violence-related fatalities.
Texas Advocacy Project remains steadfast in its mission to end
dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse,
stalking, and human trafficking in Texas by providing free legal and social
services, access to the justice system, and public outreach and
education. We will continue to work tirelessly to support and
protect those affected by domestic abuse, ensuring they have the
necessary tools and protections to live free from fear.
We urge state and federal lawmakers to build on this victory by
strengthening laws and resources aimed at preventing domestic
violence and supporting survivors. Together, we can create a safer
and more just society for all.
About Texas Advocacy Project: Since its beginning in
1982 as a legal hotline, Texas Advocacy Project (TAP) has
evolved into an expert on legal and social issues affecting
survivors of power-based abuse. TAP strives to end dating and
domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and human
trafficking in Texas. TAP empowers
survivors through free legal and social services and access to the
justice system, and advances prevention through public outreach and
education. Our vision is that all Texans live free from abuse. In
2023, TAP provided legal and social services in 4,989 cases,
serving 11,047 Texans. If you or someone you know needs help, call
800-374-HOPE or visit TexasAdvocacyProject.org.
*The Coalition is comprised of the following dedicated
nonprofits across the country: Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Inc., Bay
Area Legal Aid, Central California Legal Services, Community Legal
Aid SoCal, Eastside Legal Assistance Program, Georgia Legal
Services Program, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, Indiana Health
Advocacy Coalition, Indiana Legal Services, Inc., Law Foundation of
Silicon Valley, Legal Aid of Arkansas, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, Legal Aid Society of
San Diego, Legal Services of
Northern Virginia, Los Angeles
Center of Law and Justice, Maryland Legal Aid, New Haven Legal
Assistance Association, OneJustice, SAFE Alliance, Southeast
Louisiana Legal Services Corporation, Southern Arizona Legal Aid,
Inc., Texas Advocacy Project, Texas Legal Services Center,
University of Texas School of Law
Domestic Violence Clinic, Virginia Poverty Law Center.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sydney
Mike-Mayer, Policy & Communications Coordinator
SMike-Mayer@TexasAdvocacyProject.org
(972) 249-8402
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-advocacy-project-applauds-supreme-court-ruling-in-us-v-rahimi-302179268.html
SOURCE Texas Advocacy Project