GOAL Launches Project to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT BEING OR BECOMING A VICTIM
In today's society, the harrowing reality of domestic violence affects individuals across all demographics, transcending race, gender, religious beliefs, and political affiliations. Recognizing the fundamental human right to defend oneself and loved ones, the Gun Owners' Action League (GOAL) has initiated a vital project to empower individuals to take charge of their safety.
Existing government measures are nominal at best. For instance, restraining orders offer only a veil of protection and fail to discourage an abuser. Too many times, this results in brutal, if not fatal, attacks on the person seeking protection.
Thus, in the absence of the government providing any real resources, GOAL is stepping up and has committed to providing comprehensive resources and education to equip individuals with the necessary tools to safeguard themselves effectively. Everyone has the inalienable right to protect their life and the lives of their loved ones.
“GOAL has always been committed to helping people to keep themselves safe from the growing unchecked violence in Massachusetts,” said Jim Wallace, Executive Director for Gun Owners’ Action League. “The government, on all levels, has failed to provide adequate and meaningful resources to prevent or respond to domestic violence. These people need real help in actually being safe, not just being told to feel safe.”
State Representative Alyson Sullivan-Almeida: “I want to thank GOAL for launching their project to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence. This is a very important public safety initiative. Everyone, including survivors of domestic violence, has a right to feel safe. As a survivor I know how empowering it is to take charge of your own life. Like others, and for too long, I lived in fear of my abuser, knowing of his ability and intent to seriously harm me. I must admit until I took the time to educate myself and become accustomed, trained and experienced in handling and using a firearm, I was afraid of firearms. I soon realized it’s not the gun I was afraid of but the person holding the gun. The best way to reduce gun crime in Massachusetts is not to make it harder for people to lawfully and legally exercise their second amendment rights including survivors of domestic violence, but to use all of the laws currently on our books to insure that those that are prohibited from possession a firearm and those that possess and use a firearm illegally be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I applaud GOAL for taking action and providing more tools and resources to survivors of domestic violence. “
State Representative Susan Gifford: "It's very sad that danger is all around us and it's not just domestic violence. Attacks on our personal safety can happen anywhere, anytime. However, you can't defend yourself and your loved ones if you don't know how. I encourage everyone to talk to your family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they know there are resources available to taking responsibility for your personal safety. My sincere thanks go to GOAL for this program to educate and provide assistance."
In light of recent events, such as the tragic incident reported by the Boston Herald where a Massachusetts trailer park violent domestic abuser had already faced previous charges. “Last April, police responded to the Danvers trailer park for a domestic call involving Hurley and a female family member. Police reported at the time that the victim had “fresh cuts and bleeding scrapes on both forearms and an abrasion on the back of her head at the base of her neck.”
This most recent case only exemplifies the urgency of our mission. Our initiative surrounds diverse aspects of personal security, ranging from firearm training to non-lethal alternatives such as electronic devices and defensive sprays. Our team is dedicated to guiding individuals by facilitating access to certified instructors for safe and proficient training. Furthermore, our platform is a beacon of support, offering vital connections to national and local resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. Together, we can take a real stand against domestic violence by offering legitimate safety options and solutions.
For more information or assistance, please get in touch with Kerrie Ann Auclair, Women’s Program Assistant Advocacy Director for Gun Owners' Action League, at kerrie@goal.org or staff@goal.org.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT BEING OR BECOMING A VICTIM
Are you a victim of domestic violence, or just want to be responsible for your own safety and the safety of your loved ones in general? You are not alone. We can help!
If you believe you are in danger, don't wait - call 911 immediately and get help!
You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1.800. 799.SAFE (7233)
