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Need Strong Advocates

Women are five times more likely to be killed by an abuser if that abuser owns a gun.

I always felt on the periphery of domestic violence until last year. I never imagined it could hit so close to home or leave such emotional wreckage, which has reverberated through our communities of Clinton and Killingworth. If you could do something to stop such a horrible act, wouldn’t you do everything you could? Wouldn’t you want the opportunity to save just one life by barring an abuser with a history of domestic violence from keeping his or her guns?

Public Act 16-34, An Act Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence, signed into law this year prevents abusers served with a temporary restraining order from keeping their guns. If they are cleared of a permanent restraining order, they will be given their guns back. Courts have determined the right will only briefly be suspended in deference to the greater good of protecting life.

In light of the statistics and the deteriorating rhetoric of this election cycle where abuse of women is viewed as just “lock room talk,” it is clear we need strong advocates representing us who will support common sense gun controls, women’s rights, and protections for the vulnerable. The people who will best represent the interests of women and children are Norm Needleman (D) for the 33rd District State Senate and Ellen Dahlgreen (D) for 35th District State Representative. That’s whom I’m voting for. I hope your readers will join me.

Christine Goupil

Clinton