Genesis Women's Shelter & Support’s Post

Last May, I had the privilege of joining amazing fellow panelists Angela Downes, Esther Sanchez-Gomez, Julia F. Weber, Esq., MSW, and Ruth M. Glenn talking about the 5th Circuit Decision on Rahimi for the American Bar Association. It was a difficult topic to present on because of the deadly implications of Rahimi (striking down a ban on firearm possession by those who had civil restraining orders issued against them as a result of domestic violence) and the concerns for the nationwide impact if the decision were upheld by the Supreme Court. Find the recording of Rahimi & You: What the 5th Circuit Decision Means for GBV Survivors, Your Clients, and Our Communities at this link: https://lnkd.in/ehh9F6A6 Today, the Supreme Court issued an 8-1 decision reversing the 5th Circuit and upholding gun restrictions where a court finds that an individual poses a credible threat to the physical safety of another. Prohibiting domestic abusers from possessing firearms is key to saving countless lives and protecting domestic violence survivors. This is a huge win but just one of many, many steps and wins needed to reduce and stop domestic violence and deaths as a result of domestic violence across this country (and the world). #ABA #DomesticViolence #DomesticAbuse #Rahimi #SupremeCourt #GunViolence #5thCircuit #ProtectiveOrders #DivorceCoalition

Grateful for this SCOTUS ruling — “So far this year, 952 people involved in domestic violence situations have been murdered with guns. Last year, the number was 1,992. This law, which prevents those with restraining orders from purchasing firearms, has already blocked 77,000 individuals from making gun purchases while under such orders. This legislation has a real and significant impact on the lives of women and children. Based on these statistics, it is likely that five women will die today in domestic violence situations involving guns.” — Sources of Statistics: Gun Violence Archive & National Coalitions Against Domestic Violence

What happens when a state’s desire to protect women from domestic violence leads to a law which, its detractors argue, violates the Second Amendment? On our final #ShootingStarSunday before the Windy City Challenge, we see the impact of the Bruen decision and some of the confusion it has caused: states and citizens alike are re-assessing the constitutionality of laws that have been on the books, sometimes for decades, that placed restrictions on gun ownership. In U.S. v. Rahimi, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit struck down as unconstitutional a decades-old law barring people subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms. This case feels particularly real to us, as #EmpireMockTrial’s own Sania Khan was the victim of domestic gun violence last year. This decision was published, as we were working on this year’s case. Learn more about U.S. v. Rahimi below from the National Constitution Center (also available on Apple podcasts and Spotify). Link: https://lnkd.in/ewhQmaap

Yesterday marked a crucial step forward in protecting survivors of domestic violence. The Supreme Court's decision to prevent abusers from owning firearms is a vital measure to ensure safety and prevent further harm. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide for women by 500%. Let's continue advocating for policies that prioritize safety and support for survivors. Together, we can make a difference. #DomesticViolenceAwareness 

Domestic violence, mainly against women, must stop now. Only police, the military and farmers who have had an appropriate psychological review should be licensed to have firearms, and only what is strictly necessary. The man who murdered two women in Perth using a firearm, had 13 licensed firearms. 13 too many, particularly when his family members allegedly expressed their concern to police that he he posed a danger and a pistol was unaccounted for. Their concerns were said to be ignored. The WA Parliament's bill to reduce the number of firearms that a person may own to 10 is 10 too many. Apparently, "recreational shooters" (whatever that means) may own up to 20 firearms. Parliament, the government and the police must step up to prevent domestic violence. We as a community must change - we must say NO to domestic violence. Children and adults must learn that it is not OK.

📢 SCOTUS to Decide If Domestic Violence Offenders Can Own Guns: Why It Matters As the US Supreme Court prepares to rule on United States v. Rahimi, a case challenging a federal law that prevents domestic abusers under restraining orders from owning guns, the stakes couldn't be higher. AU Professor and domestic violence expert Rachel Louise Snyder shares her insights on what this could mean for victims of domestic violence. 🔎 In an interview with Patty Housman, Professor Snyder discusses the life-or-death implications of this decision. With statistics showing that half of all intimate partner homicides in the US involve a gun, and that victims are five times more likely to be murdered if their abuser has access to a firearm, the potential impact is clear. 📚 Professor Snyder, author of the critically acclaimed "No Visible Bruises," emphasizes that this ruling could significantly increase the danger for women and children. Read more to understand why this case matters and what it could mean for the safety of countless Americans: https://bit.ly/3VsZ4pM #SCOTUS #DomesticViolence #GunControl #RachelLouiseSnyder #AULeads

⚖️ The landmark ruling in US v. Rahimi highlights the importance of limiting gun access for individuals with a history of domestic violence. Upholding the Second Amendment while prioritizing safety and legal protection for survivors is crucial. In the case, alarming data highlighted how domestic violence incidents involving firearms increase dangerous if not fatal, outcomes for victims. The The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV), and the law firm Crowell & Moring worked together to help provide the court with expertise on this issue. We can all help to prevent tragic outcomes and provide a safer environment for survivors. It's essential to recognize the intersection of domestic violence and access to firearms, ensuring that survivors are adequately protected. Learn more at https://buff.ly/4blr6cF #USvRahimi #FirearmRestrictions #DomesticAbusePrevention #YWCAENS

Today, the US Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the US v Rahimi case. This crucial case will decide whether the state can legally confiscate weapons from people who have protection orders filed against them. We know that these kinds of domestic violence protection orders save lives. A DV victim is 5x more likely to die when their abuser has access to a gun. Read more about this important case at the Center for American Progress:

📢 Landmark Decision Alert! The Supreme Court's ruling in U.S. v. Rahimi upholds vital gun control laws, reinforcing that individuals with domestic violence protection orders are barred from owning firearms. This decision ensures that existing safeguards remain in place to protect survivors and their children. Want to know more? Dive into our blog post for a deep dive, check out SCOTUS blog for the legal details, and visit the Battered Women's Justice Project for resources and support. Links below 🔗 to read more! 💪 🔗https://lnkd.in/gn28EbNb 🔗https://lnkd.in/g2Ec85w3 🔗https://lnkd.in/eWMqwFAV #FamilyLawCASA #ChildSafety #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SCOTUS #FamilyLaw ATL Text for attached document in comments 👇

October 11, 2023, is #DomesticViolence Awareness day. Nearly half of all murders of women are perpetrated by an intimate partner, and the presence of a gun corresponds to a fivefold increase in that risk and makes multiple fatalities exponentially more likely. In August, the City of Philadelphia signed on to a Cities and Counties amicus brief initiated by New York City in support of the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C.§ 922(g)(8) the federal law that prohibits possession of firearms by those subject to domestic violence restraining orders. The case, United States v. Rahimi, involves a Second Amendment challenge to a federal prosecution under the statute. The City of Philadelphia and other amici agree that 18 U.S.C.§ 922(g)(8) serves as an essential legal tool in curbing the dangers of domestic violence – not just for survivors, but for law enforcement, other government actors, and our communities overall. Laws prohibiting individuals subject to domestic-violence protective orders from owning guns are proven to significantly decrease the rate of intimate partner homicides. The oral argument in this case is set to take place before the U.S. Supreme Court on November 7, 2023.