This week’s tragic incident at Maplewood Elementary School in a small town left three individuals dead, including an innocent 8-year-old student. The shooter, who had a troubling criminal record, took the life of his estranged wife, Emily Johnson, a teacher at the school. He also fatally shot one of her students and injured another before taking his own life. My heart goes out to the families affected by this senseless act of violence.
This heartbreaking event serves as yet another stark reminder of the deadly relationship between domestic violence and gun violence. I understand the risks posed by a domestic abuser with access to firearms all too well.
Eight years ago, I sought refuge in a women’s shelter after my husband’s abuse escalated. I obtained a protective order, believing it would secure the safety of my toddler and me. While involving law enforcement helped document the abuse, it didn’t prevent it from worsening.
He broke into my home and attacked me. After being arrested for domestic violence, he was released just a day later, thanks to his parents who paid his bail. A few days afterward, I returned from grocery shopping to find my house dark, despite having left the lights on. I flipped the switch only to confront my ex standing in the doorway, shotgun aimed at me. I bolted outside as he fired, narrowly escaping with my life.
Even after this horrifying encounter, the family court system continued to let me down. Today, my daughter is 11, and I’m forced to co-parent with my abuser. I moved 900 miles away while he served time, hoping to establish a boundary for our safety. He received a mere 15 months in prison for his actions and was paroled just four months later.
As a survivor of gun violence in a domestic context, I recognize that tackling domestic violence and gun violence must go hand in hand. We know that a significant number of mass shootings in this country stem from domestic violence situations. In fact, recent studies indicate that over 40% of victims in such cases are children.
It’s crucial to understand that domestic violence offenders are among the most predictable perpetrators of gun violence. They exhibit clear patterns of abusive behavior, and we must do more to keep firearms out of their reach. Sadly, survivors of abuse often face a system that gives violent men multiple chances to reoffend. Emily Johnson, the teacher who lost her life in California, deserved to work and live without the looming threat of her estranged husband.
We need to educate men on the importance of treating others with respect. Domestic violence and gun violence should be viewed as public health crises that require immediate attention. We must take action to prevent guns from getting into the hands of those who pose a danger.
Since my own near-fatal encounter, I’ve partnered with organizations like Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety to share my story and highlight the urgent need to address the lethal connection between domestic abuse and gun violence. Through this advocacy, I’ve met countless volunteers advocating for change at state legislatures nationwide, aiming to keep firearms away from individuals like domestic abusers.
There’s still much work to be done. We need more individuals to join us in standing up for our communities, demanding a future free from gun violence and domestic abuse. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this informative resource here. For more information on artificial insemination, visit this authority site. Additionally, for those considering pregnancy, this is an excellent resource.
In summary, we must confront the dangerous link between domestic abuse and gun violence, advocating for better protection and support for survivors. Together, we can strive for a world where families can live without fear.