Enough is Enough: Stand Against Gender-Based Gun Violence

Gun Violence Against Women is an Epidemic

Key Takeaways:

• Gun violence is a public health crisis, with women being uniquely affected.
  

• More than 11,000 women were killed with a gun in the United States between 2015 and 2019.
  

• Every month, an average of 57 women are killed with a firearm by an intimate partner.
  

• Nearly 1 million women alive today have been shot by an intimate partner, and 4.5 million women have been threatened with a firearm.

At SisterLove, we're committed to eradicating the adverse impact of HIV, sexual and reproductive health rights, and justice challenges impacting women and their families. However, we recognize that these issues do not exist in isolation.

They are often intertwined with other forms of violence and injustice, such as gun violence.

Gun Violence is a Reproductive Justice Issue

"Every woman deserves to live a life free from violence. The time for action is now,"

Gun violence is a public health crisis.

Every day, more than 100 people are killed with a firearm, more than 200 are nonfatally injured, and over 1,000 are threatened with a gun.

Women, in particular, are uniquely affected by this form of violence. From 2015 to 2019, more than 11,000 women in the United States were killed with a gun, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Gun violence is a public health crisis that has had a devastating impact on our country and communities," says Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action.

Who is Affected by Gun Violence?

Gun violence affects all of us, but some groups are disproportionately impacted. Let's take a closer look at how this issue affects Black women, transgender women, and individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Black Women

Black women are more likely to be killed by firearms than any other group of women in the United States.

According to a report by Giffords Law Center, Black women are twice as likely to be shot and killed by an intimate partner compared to white women.

This is a stark reality with intersectional roots in racism, classism, and sexism that must be confronted and addressed.

Transgender Women

Transgender women, particularly trans women of color, are disproportionately affected by gun violence.

According to an ABC News report, the homicide rate for trans people has doubled, with gun killings fueling the surge.

This is a clear indication of the urgent need for inclusive and comprehensive gun control measures.

LGBTQIA+ Individuals

The LGBTQIA+ community also faces a heightened risk of gun violence. According to a report by Sandy Hook Promise, LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to be victims of hate crimes, and these crimes are more likely to be violent when a gun is involved.

These statistics are a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead. We must continue to fight for stricter gun control laws, provide comprehensive support services for survivors, and challenge the harmful narratives that perpetuate this violence.

Addressing the Roots of Gun Violence

Gun violence is not a random occurrence; it is deeply rooted in systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

To truly address gun violence, we must confront these systemic roots:

Racial Inequality

For Black women, systemic racism and racial inequality play a significant role in their heightened risk of gun violence. Historical and ongoing discrimination, socioeconomic disparities, and racial bias in law enforcement and the justice system all contribute to this issue. These systemic barriers often limit access to resources and support services for Black women, making it harder for them to escape violent situations.

Transphobia and Homophobia

Transgender women, particularly trans women of color, face high levels of discrimination, stigma, and violence.

This is fueled by systemic transphobia and homophobia, which can manifest in various ways, from discriminatory laws and policies to societal prejudice and bias. These systemic issues can lead to higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and social isolation among transgender women, increasing their vulnerability to violence.

LGBTQIA+ Discrimination

For individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, systemic discrimination and bias significantly contribute to their risk of gun violence.

Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are still prevalent in many aspects of society, from workplaces and schools to healthcare and law enforcement. This discrimination can lead to higher rates of mental health issues, substance use, and vulnerability to violence among LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Intersectionality

It's also important to recognize the intersectionality of these issues.

For example, a Black transgender woman faces multiple layers of discrimination and bias – racism, sexism, and transphobia.

These intersecting forms of oppression can amplify the risk of gun violence.

Addressing these systemic roots is crucial in our fight against gun violence.

This includes advocating for racial justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender equality, as well as pushing for systemic reforms in areas like law enforcement, criminal justice, healthcare, and social services.

Only by tackling these root causes can we hope to make significant strides in reducing gun violence.

Taking a Stand Against Gun Violence

"Every woman deserves to live a life free from violence. The time for action is now," says Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a strong advocate for the reauthorization of VAWA.

We must also address the economic barriers that prevent women from leaving abusive situations. Women at all income levels experience domestic violence and gun violence, but women experiencing financial hardship can be at greater risk, making the decision and ability to leave that much more difficult.

While systemic change is crucial, individual actions also play a significant role in addressing gun violence.

Here are some steps you can take:

Educate Yourself and Others

Learn about the issue of gun violence, its systemic roots, and its impact on different communities. Share this knowledge with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people understand about this issue, the more they can help address it.

Support Survivors

If you know someone who is a survivor of gun violence, offer them your support. This could be emotional support, helping them access resources, or standing by them as they navigate the justice system.

Advocate for Change

Use your voice to advocate for change. This could be through social media, writing to your local newspaper, or contacting your elected representatives to express your support for stricter gun control laws and better support services for survivors.

Donate

Consider donating to organizations that are working to address gun violence, such as SisterLove, Inc. Your donation can help provide crucial support services for survivors, fund advocacy work, and more.

Sign the Petition

Finally, we urge you to sign the petition to declare gun violence an epidemic. This is a crucial step in recognizing the scale of this issue and mobilizing the necessary resources to address it.

You can sign the petition here.

You Have the Power

Remember, every action counts.

Together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone is safe from gun violence.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." We cannot remain silent about gun violence.

We urge you to join us in this fight.

Sign the petition to declare gun violence an epidemic here.

Let's stand together and demand change. Because every woman deserves to live in a world free from violence.

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