Brady Condemns Virginia Senate for Failing to Pass a Bill Prohibiting Domestic Abusers from Possessing Firearms

Washington, D.C., February 4, 2021 - Today Brady expresses profound disappointment in the Virginia Senate after it has failed to pass SB 1382, a bill that would have prohibited abusers convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from purchasing and possessing a firearm. Without this bill, individuals in Virginia who are convicted of domestic abuse are able to continue possessing their firearms despite being prohibited by federal law and can even purchase more guns via private sales that are not subject to federal background checks. This bill would have empowered law enforcement to remove these weapons and disarm these convicted abusers.

Brady President Kris Brown shared:

“The people of Virginia have demanded common-sense gun violence prevention laws to keep our Commonwealth safe. This bill, prohibiting convicted domestic abusers from purchasing a firearm, is such a bill. It is unfathomable that members of the Virginia Senate believe that these individuals should retain their firearms when it is a fact that a gun in a home with a history of domestic violence increases the risk of homicide by 500 percent. A woman is shot and killed by a former or current partner roughly every 16 hours in the United States. This bill would save lives. Shame on the Virginia Senate for failing to take action to keep our families safe.”

Author and activist Kate Ranta shared:

"As a domestic and gun violence survivor who was almost killed with 9mm Beretta at the hands of my violent ex-husband, and as someone who deeply believes abusers should not be able to have guns, I am angry and disappointed that the Virginia Senate failed to pass this bill. It makes no sense. Why would we ever want violent abusers to remain armed? Women and children are dying and the Senate has failed to take action to protect them."

About SB 1382:

SB 1382 - This bill would prohibit those convicted of the assault and battery of a family or household member from purchasing, possessing, or transporting a firearm.

Facts About Guns and Domestic Violence in the United States:

• About every 16 hours, a woman is shot and killed by a former or current partner;

• 54 percent of mass shootings are related to domestic or family violence;

• Women who were killed by a spouse, intimate partner, or close relative were 7 times more likely to have lived in homes with guns;

• 1 out of every 15 children in the U.S. is exposed to the effects of intimate partner violence yearly; and

• When there is a gun in a home with a history of domestic violence, there is a 500% higher chance that a woman will be murdered.