RELEASE: Giffords Applauds Governor Cuomo for Signing Bill to Keep Guns Out of the Hands of Domestic Abusers

April 19, 2018 — Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, applauded New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for signing a proposal to ensure domestic violence abusers do not have access to firearms. The domestic violence proposal was the first new policy Governor Cuomo unveiled ahead of his 2018 State of the State address on January 3rd in Albany.

The legislation will strengthen New York’s laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and other prohibited purchasers. While state law had previously prohibited some domestic abusers from acquiring or possessing guns, this law did not previously apply to people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes involving assault, battery, strangulation, or criminal threats. This legislation will also ensure that abusers subject to domestic violence protective orders are required to relinquish all firearms, not just handguns. Finally, this bill will implement standard, enforceable relinquishment procedures for courts to ensure that people convicted of serious crimes do not illegally retain their firearms after conviction.

The  deadly nexus of domestic violence and firearms is well established:  in nine of the 10 deadliest mass shootings in United States history, including the recent shootings in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas, the shooter had an existing record of committing violence against women, threatening violence against women, or harassing or disparaging women.

Nico Bocour, Giffords, State Legislative Director:

“We are grateful to Governor Cuomo and the New York General Assembly for addressing the lethal connection between guns and domestic violence. Women are five times more likely to die in domestic violence situations where a gun is present, so it is critical to see the elected officials of New York take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of victims and their families. We hope more states take up similar laws and look forward to working with those who choose to do so.”

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  Giffords   is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Navy combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, Giffords inspires the courage of people from all walks of life to make America safer.