Firearms are a big topic of conversation right now in the country, particularly in Texas, and so, in today’s episode, we take a deep dive into their impact on domestic violence survivors and their communities. Joined by Mikisha Hooper and Mohini Lal, we discuss the Honoring Texas Victims Report and what it tells us about firearms and their role in domestic violence. We talk about firearm prohibitions and transfer protocols that are already in place, pitfalls related to the enforcement of these, why it’s so easy for prohibited possessors to legally buy firearms, the problem of accountability when it comes to the sellers, and how the current system puts first responders at risk. We also share our views on the need for community understanding of domestic violence and social support for victims. We discuss how to move from an approach of response or intervention to one of prevention and share some additional resources on the intersection of firearms and domestic violence. To hear more about some of the preventative measures, strategies, and tactics that we can use to address this serious issue, tune in today!

Please note that this episode carries a heavy trigger warning for domestic violence as well as firearms with references to mass shootings.