This week’s tragic shooting at Maplewood Elementary School in Riverside, California, resulted in the loss of three lives, including an innocent 8-year-old student. The perpetrator, who had a criminal record, fatally shot his estranged wife, Lisa Johnson, a teacher at the school. He also killed one of her students and injured another child before taking his own life.
My deepest condolences go out to the families affected by this senseless tragedy. This incident is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the lethal connection between domestic violence and gun violence. From personal experience, I understand the risks posed by an abuser armed with a firearm.
Eight years ago, I sought refuge in a women’s shelter after my husband’s abuse intensified. I obtained a protective order, believing it would ensure my young daughter and I would be safe. However, involving law enforcement did not deter him; it only exacerbated his behavior. He broke into my home and assaulted me, leading to his arrest. His family posted bail, and he was free the next day.
A few days later, I returned home to find the lights off, despite having left them on. As I switched them on, I was confronted by my ex-husband, who was standing in the doorway with a shotgun aimed at me. I narrowly escaped as he fired at me. Had I hesitated even slightly, I would not be here to share my story.
Even after that horrifying experience, the family court system continued to fail me. Now, at 11 years old, my daughter and I are forced to share a co-parenting arrangement with my abuser. I moved 900 miles away while he served a short prison sentence in hopes of establishing a protective boundary. Yet, he was released after only 15 months, four months after sentencing.
As a survivor of gun violence stemming from domestic abuse, I know that addressing these issues together is critical. The majority of mass shootings in this country are linked to domestic violence. Recent analyses indicate that over 40% of victims in such mass shootings are children.
It’s important to note that domestic abusers are among the most predictable and preventable perpetrators of gun violence. They exhibit clear patterns of violence, and we must take more effective measures to prevent them from accessing firearms. Survivors often find themselves re-victimized by a legal system that repeatedly grants violent offenders opportunities to continue their abuse. Lisa Johnson, the teacher killed in Riverside, deserved to live her life without fearing for her safety or that of her students.
We must educate men about the importance of non-violence. It is time to recognize domestic violence and gun violence as a public health crisis that demands urgent attention. We need to take action to ensure that guns do not end up in the hands of those who pose a danger to others.
Since my experience, I have collaborated with advocacy organizations like Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety to raise awareness about the deadly link between domestic abuse and gun violence. Through this work, I have met countless volunteers dedicated to advocating for stricter laws that keep firearms away from dangerous individuals, including domestic abusers.
There is much more to be done. We need more people to join the movement to demand safe communities free from gun violence and domestic abuse. For additional insights on related topics, check out our blog post on the link between pregnancy and domestic safety at https://intracervicalinsemination.com/blog/.
In conclusion, the intertwining issues of domestic violence and gun violence need our immediate attention and action. By addressing these problems together, we can work towards safer communities for everyone.