Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald issued the following statement on Wednesday after meeting with former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, with whom elected officials and domestic violence advocates discussed the need for laws that protect women and families from gun violence:
“Having survived the senseless act of violence that took place in Tucson four years ago, Congresswoman Giffords has displayed a sense of relentless resolve – both personally and as a staunch advocate for a safer nation – that inspires us all to continue fighting for commonsense measures to reduce gun violence.
“According to a 2014 report from the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the Center for American Progress, one in three women killed in our state was the victim of domestic violence homicide. Knowing this, it is only right and responsible that we work together to take action.
“As the sponsor of legislation to limit domestic abusers’ access to firearms, I am honored to have Congresswoman Giffords support this cause in New Jersey. Every day, in homes right here in our state and nationwide, years of physical and emotional abuse come to an abrupt and tragic end. More often than not, the difference between a domestic dispute and a homicide is the presence of a gun.
“Our push for responsible gun laws is about protecting the fundamental right of every resident of New Jersey to live in peace. No one – whether they’re outside the local grocery store or in the middle of the living room – should live with the fear of becoming a gun violence statistic.”