Across Michigan Monday, domestic violence survivors, gun safety advocates, and faith leaders gathered to push for passage of bills that would prohibit those convicted of felony or misdemeanor domestic violence from buying or possessing firearms for eight years after their sentence. Kazia Kelly is a survivor of domestic violence.
“They’re absolutely necessary,” Kelly said. “70 women and children in Michigan are killed by abusers with a gun each year and it has to stop. So, we need these bills to close the loopholes.”
Kelly says she and her 4-year-old daughter are survivors after her then husband threatened them with a legally owned handgun. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has backed the legislative effort. Last week, she announced a new state program that will enable the survivors of domestic abuse to keep their addresses confidential.
