Women Aware offers our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The 26 victims included at least 14 children and a pregnant woman. We wish recovery and healing for the injured survivors and all who are affected.
The assailant, who opened fire at a church on Sunday, had been previously convicted and incarcerated for domestic violence. A new study released by Everytown for Gun Safety has found that 54% of mass shootings in the U.S. are related to domestic or family violence.
“The domestic violence is often the canary in the coal mine,” said Sarah Tofte, research director at Everytown for Gun Safety. During interviews yesterday she continued, “We have to address abusers’ access to firearms. And we can do that in so many ways, making sure they’re prohibited from possessing firearms, making sure they turn in the firearms they own. And we, as a country, have to understand more the connections between domestic violence and firearm violence.”
To access domestic violence services in Middlesex County, call Women Aware’s 24-hour hotline at 732-249-4504. We welcome relay calls.