Abusers with Guns are Fives Times as Likely to Kill
For Immediate Release
June 3, 2015
Media Contact: James Grant, james@jamesgrantpr.com | (917) 626-1300
Karolina Szatkowski of YWCA Union County, Leader Nancy Pelosi,
and Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D. CEO of YWCA USA at Tuesday’s hearing
The YWCA is on Capitol Hill this week talking with Congress about critical legislation to protect victims of domestic violence from gun violence. On Tuesday, June 2nd, YWCA Union County Program Director, Karolina Szatkowski, gave testimony at a Steering and Policy Committee hearing in support of legislation to strengthen laws protecting domestic violence victims. This Thursday, June 4th, hundreds of YWCA staff, board, and volunteers from communities across the country will participate in their annual Capitol Hill Day and advocate for the passage of the Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Protection Act.
“As one of the largest providers of domestic violence services in the country, we know all too well that the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when she takes steps to leave her abuser,” said Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., YWCA USA CEO, “That is why we feel so strongly about ensuring that firearms are removed from the hands of all abusers as soon as a protective order is filed.”
“Women are more likely to be killed by their intimate partners than by any other assailant,” Karolina told the congressional committee, “In the United States, it is an abuser’s access to guns that makes this possible.” She told the many congressional representatives in attendance, “You have the power to change that.”