"Gun violence in all its forms — from mass shootings to intimate partner violence to overzealous and brutal policing — is a public health epidemic that threatens the health and safety of our communities."
— Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
All people deserve to live healthy lives and feel safe in their homes, schools, places of worship, and communities. The unprecedented rate of gun violence in the United States is a public health crisis that threatens that safety.
While anyone can experience gun violence, it disproportionately puts marginalized groups — including people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, and women — at risk. For instance, 2017 was the deadliest year on record for transgender people — especially for Black transgender women — and more than half of those killed were victims of gun violence
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In addition, around one-third of women have experienced intimate partner violence. These women are five times more likely to be killed when their abuser owns a firearm
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As community-based health care providers, Planned Parenthood health centers serve the needs of these communities.
That's why we want solutions to gun violence that address the safety of all communities. This means taking into account the effects of racism, law enforcement, and mass incarceration on Black communities and other communities of color, and refraining from stigmatizing and scapegoating people with mental illness.
The fact is, people with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than to be perpetrators
3. A past history of violence — especially intimate partner violence — is a far better predictor of future violence than simply having a mental illness. Ignoring this fact will result in gun violence policies that are both stigmatizing and ineffective.
Every person has the right to lead a life that is healthy and free from violence. We support the young people and people of color mobilizing around gun violence prevention in this country, and the many organizations that have been leading gun violence prevention research, education, and community organizing for years.
