Welcomed Court Support

Despite a powerful gun lobby and a society that glorifies violence while disrespecting and insulting women and girls, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 ruling, upheld the federal ban on gun possession by convicted misdemeanor domestic violence abusers. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, speaking for the majority, cited arguments provided by the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, writing that "firearms and domestic strife are a potentially deadly combination nationwide."


Intimate partner and domestic violence homicide is the leading cause of death for African American women ages 15 to 45. Also, black youth are over represented as victims of teen dating violence according to the Institute on Domestic Violence in The African American Community. On average, more than three people are killed by intimate partners every day and account for up to one-half of all homicides of females. Every year between 1,000 and 1,600 women die at the hands of their male partners, and 14 percent of all police officer deaths occurred during a response to domestic violence calls.

Battered black women who reported that they could rely on others for emotional and practical support were less likely to be re-abused, showed less psychological distress, and less likely to attempt suicide.

This court decision is very much welcomed and represents a major step in providing a safe and free environment for those who live under the nightmarish double oppression of gun violence and domestic abuse.

Link: Full Story