For Immediate Release: November 10, 2015
NCADV Condemns Veto of Domestic Violence Bill by Governor Christie
Denver, Co, November 10, 2015 -
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence condemns, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's decision to conditionally veto A4218/S2786, a bill to protect victims and survivors of domestic violence from firearm facilitated abuse and intimate partner homicide.
While New Jersey's generally strong gun violence laws reduce intimate partner homicides, 30% of femicide victims are still killed with firearms (compared to over half nationally). The New Jersey legislature, reflecting the will of the people, passed commonsense domestic violence legislation that would have enforced existing laws prohibiting abusers from owning firearms.
The bill Governor Christie vetoed would have required domestic abusers to surrender the guns they are already prohibited from owning if convicted of domestic violence or subject to a protective order, would have suspended the abusers' purchaser ID cards and permits, would have revoked abusers' permits, and required law enforcement to cross-check records to determine whether or not a prohibited abuser owns a firearm.
The risk of domestic violence homicide increases 2,100% when an abuser with a history of violence has access to a firearm. Prohibiting firearm ownership is a vital step in protecting victims and survivors from gun violence, but this prohibition must be enforced!
Firearms are used to terrorize and control as well as murder, victims/survivors. A survey by the National Domestic Violence hotline found that, among respondents whose abusers owned firearms, 52% said they would feel safer if law enforcement removed their abusers' firearms. 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
Governor Christie's recommended replacement legislation displays total disregard or ignorance for the dynamics of domestic violence. Ruth Glenn, NCADV Executive Director explains:
"Many victims and survivors care for their abusers. They will not shoot their abusers, even in self-defense or fear, and they do not always want their abusers to go to jail - they just want the abuse to stop."
Governor Christie has proposed changes that fast-track victims' and survivors' gun permits and imposes mandatory minimum sentences on abusers. These changes do not protect victims and survivors from gun violence - abusers must be disarmed!
Arming the victim/survivor is not a protective factor: the presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the likelihood of homicide, no matter who owns the firearm. Also, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for domestic violence will reduce the likelihood that a victim/survivor will report the abuse to law enforcement.
We urge New Jersey legislators to Take A Stand against domestic violence by rejecting Governor Christie's suggested changes and overriding his veto. We also encourage Governor Christie to reach out to domestic violence programs in New Jersey and work with advocates to craft legislation that truly meets the needs of victims and survivors.
NCDAV is the voice of victims and survivors. We are the catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence. We do this by effecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive change.
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