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Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan statewide coalition dedicated to prioritizing gun safety and advocating for common sense gun laws to make communities across Tennessee safer for all of us.

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Safer TN Tracker

Safer TN Tracker | 12.20.2024

JR Pershall · December 20, 2024 ·

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a national conference focused on reducing firearm-related harms where I gained valuable insights that reaffirm our commitment to moving the needle on firearm safety in Tennessee. One key takeaway was the importance of offering solutions that provide real value to gunowners—reinforcing that we are not trying to take away rights, but rather work toward safer communities.

I was inspired by models in Louisiana and Arkansas, where firearm dealers are working to reduce deaths by suicide by temporarily holding firearms for those who need some time and space while recovering from depression or other mental health issues. 

I was also heartened by data that showed following the 2024 passage of Tennessee legislation authorizing school districts to allow teachers to train to carry in schools, an impressive 147 school districts have chosen to opt-out of the program. 

The conference also showcased cutting-edge research on reducing firearm injuries, though it highlighted the gap in implementation—something we are actively working to address. Safer TN is proud to be at the forefront of creating solutions tailored specifically for Tennessee by learning from successful strategies in other states.

Building relationships with other advocates and organizations was another highlight, as these connections will help us further our shared goal of safer communities for all.

–Safer TN Policy Director, Erin Rogus

At the National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm Related Harms, Yale’s Danielle Poole, ScD, MPH presented data showing between 2017 and 2021, 6% of 6,000 Tennessee youths surveyed–more than 300–reported carrying a firearm in the past year. Her analysis found depressive symptoms and feeling unsafe are strongly associated with youth gun carrying in our state. 

Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg Center for Public Health suggests that if you have children or teens heading over to a friend’s house, talking about guns in the home can feel less awkward by framing it as part of a broader safety conversation, like: “Hey, I have a list of safety things to chat about before my kid comes over. Do you have a dog? Here are my kid’s allergies. Do you have any guns in the home?”

According to Be Smart for Kids, an organization solely focused on secure storage, when speaking to your children about what to do if they encounter a firearm, keep the language simple–“If you see a gun, don’t touch it. Tell an adult right away”–and to include these conversations along with topics like drugs, alcohol, and drunk driving with adolescents. 

We are hosting a panel on the upcoming legislative session 

Curious about how the legislative process works and how Safer TN will define success in 2025? Join us for a panel discussion on January 8 at 12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET. Knoxville’s Abby Ham from WBIR will moderate the conversation with former State Rep. Sam Whitson from Middle Tennessee, former State Sen. Lowe Finney from West Tennessee, and our policy director Erin Rogus. Location and links will be shared soon—just be sure to save the date!

We’re looking for volunteers to help promote our mission on social media!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

If you’re short on time but still want to make a difference, you can help by sharing content, engaging with followers, and supporting key initiatives wherever you are. Even just a few minutes a day can help us raise awareness and create a safer community for everyone. Set up alerts to be notified whenever we post on Facebook or Instagram, and when you see a post, like it and share it to help spread crucial information and education to people across the state.

You made your voice heard!

Dozens of you answered our survey questions last week. Thank you! The results show strong engagement with Safer TN’s mission and our work. While 43% were very satisfied with our efforts to advance our three policy priorities, others offered feedback suggesting a need for more information on our organization’s specific goals. We hear you, and are planning to respond with more events, education and outreach–especially outside major cities. If you have additional feedback, feel free to email us anytime at info@safertn.org.

End of Year Giving

The survey also revealed that most of you are willing to financially support our organization, whether you’ve donated before or not. Your generosity enables us to work with lawmakers at the State Capitol and promote behavior change around firearm safety statewide. 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our 501(c)(3) fund, hosted by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, before the end of the year here. To learn more about the impact of your donation, visit this link. If you’d like to discuss a multiyear pledge, wire transfer, planned gift, or stock donation, feel free to contact our executive director, Claudia Huskey (claudia@safertn.org), directly.

  • Our Advisory Board Chair Clay Stauffer opened up about the profound impact of gun violence on his life and why he’s devoted to Safer TN’s cause. Watch his video on our YouTube channel here.
  • Our Board Chair Todd Cruse appeared on This Week with Bob Mueller where he answered tough, yet fair, questions with a mix of humor, data, and practical solutions. Watch his full segment at this link.
  • Our intern, Vanderbilt student Kathryn Obrecht, described her semester with Safer TN as “transformative” during a presentation to her Capstone class. The Capstone program gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience while earning college credit. We’re grateful for Kathryn’s contributions and for all our interns!

Man charged with killing mom, injuring toddler in Hardin Co. road rage shooting (Action News 5 Memphis)

Tennesseans still strongly support gun control laws, poll shows (WKRN Nashville)

Shooting in Madison joins a long list of those at US schools, colleges (AP News)

What is a ‘ghost gun’? Does Tennessee have laws about them? Here’s what to know (USA TODAY NETWORK)

Tennessee DA accused of firing at fugitive, hitting home with woman and her 3 children inside (CBS News)

State Rep. speaks about killed friend, grandmother killed in Westhaven shooting (Fox 13 Memphis)

Knoxville man convicted of murder after argument over dog waste leads to shooting (WATE)

Third arrested in Jackson, TN mass shooting that left a 2-year-old dead (Action News 5 Memphis)

Safer TN Tracker | December 5, 2024

JR Pershall · December 5, 2024 ·

Hello there!

I’d like to take a moment to formally introduce myself now that I’m two months into the job. I’m Jessica Jaglois, the new Director of Communications at Voices for a Safer Tennessee.

With more than 15 years of experience as a journalist, I’ve reported extensively on the devastating impact firearm tragedies have on families and communities.

One night in particular stands out. After joining WKRN News 2 in Nashville back in 2015, I found myself at the doorstep of a Clarksville home where a 3-year-old boy, visiting with his family, had fatally shot himself with the homeowner’s firearm. It was one of several similar accidental shootings I would cover over the next decade. Tennessee has the third-highest rate of unintentional shootings by children in the U.S.

This is why Safer TN exists: to reduce preventable firearm tragedies through education and policy change. My work in journalism fueled my commitment to advocating for a safer Tennessee, and I’m truly honored to bring that passion to this role.

Sincerely,

Jessica Jaglois
Director of Communications
Voices for a Safer Tennessee

As temperatures drop in Tennessee, and indoor playdates become more common, it’s crucial to talk about firearm safety. Remember to have regular, open conversations with your children about what to do if they ever encounter a firearm.

According to Be Smart for Kids, an organization solely focused on secure storage, keep the language simple–“If you see a gun, don’t touch it. Tell an adult right away”–and to include firearm safety in conversations along with topics like drugs, alcohol, and drunk driving with adolescents. 

For more information, visit the Be Smart tipsheet online. 

It’s equally important to discuss secure storage with other parents, and with friends and relatives your family may be visiting this holiday season, to ensure a safe environment for everyone. 

For example, you could text your child’s parent: “Before I drop my son off, I just wanted to check to see if you have pets? And also ask if you have firearms in your house and confirm how they are stored. I want to make sure he knows your safety rules.”

For more conversation starters, check out this tipsheet from Be Smart.

Make your voice heard by answering a few survey questions!

We value your voice and want to hear from you! Your feedback is crucial in helping us better provide the content and resources you find most valuable while scaling back on what’s less effective. Our short survey takes just a few minutes, and your input will directly shape how we prioritize our efforts and strategies. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! Access the survey by clicking this link.

We also want to extend our deep gratitude for the dozens of gifts we received on Giving Tuesday! With the two generous donors who matched each gift, we raised almost $45,000. There are many ways your donation helps us but here are just a few:

If you would like to donate to Safer TN, click here to learn more about your donation and send us a gift. Every dollar counts and we thank you for your generosity!

Volunteering is on the rise in Tennessee!

New data reveals that Tennesseans volunteered at a rate higher than the national average: According to an analysis of U.S. Census data, more than a third of Tennesseans reported volunteering through a formal organization at least once between September 2022 and September 2023—the highest rate in the Southeast. While Tennessee sometimes finds itself on lists we’d rather not top—such as having a higher-than-average firearm injury rate—this reminds us why so many of us are proud to call the Volunteer State home!

Our Safer TN volunteers are central to our organization’s success. If you are looking to make a difference, consider donating to or volunteering with Voices for a Safer TN.

Safer TN was busy over the past two weeks! Our friend Becca Wolfenbarger penned an op-ed that ran in the Johnson City Press and Maryville Times last month. Becca shared her story as a former teacher who saw the concern around safety in schools increase after the Columbine school shooting in 1999. Op-eds have the power to challenge perspectives and inspire critical thinking by offering a fresh lens on important issues. They tell stories that resonate with readers, gently encouraging them to consider, “What if there’s another way?” 

We believe there is another way, which is what we shared in a Knoxville friend’s living room on November 20. We can host these small gatherings, or you can, by visiting this link to Facebook. 

In case you missed it, our younger coalition members created a video using a list that Evelyn Dieckhaus had written in her school journal of ways to be kind. Please check it out, and submit your acts of kindness this holiday season!

US Marshals offering reward in Jackson, TN mass shooting that killed a two-year-old (Fox 13 Memphis)

Teen died after shielding his mother, siblings from gunfire (Newschannel 9 Chattanooga)

Juvenile twins charged in shooting that ‘accidentally’ killed Nashville restaurant owner (MNPD)

MNPD officers who stopped Covenant shooter recognized Metro Council (WSMV Nashville)

72 threats reported in Hamilton County schools so far (Newschannel 9 Chattanooga)

In a Deep-Red State, This Lieutenant’s Blueprint for Removing Guns From Abusers Is Spreading (The Trace)

Safer TN Tracker | November 15, 2024

JR Pershall · November 15, 2024 ·

Safer TN is celebrating the progress we achieved together in the last legislative session. Thanks to your partnership, we’ve reached meaningful milestones in advancing firearm safety:

  • Passed a new law preventing firearm purchases for 18-25-year-olds with violent juvenile records or mental health adjudications.
  • Secured funding to process a 761,000-record backlog in Tennessee’s background check system.
  • Blocked dangerous legislation allowing loaded long guns in public spaces.
  • Passed Jillian’s Law, honoring Belmont student Jillian Ludwig, to restrict firearm access for those found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

These accomplishments are vital steps toward a safer Tennessee, made possible by your unwavering support. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re eager to build on this momentum with creative, Tennessee-based solutions to promote secure firearm storage, positively incentivize more background checks, and advocate for comprehensive data on firearm-related injuries.

We’re just getting started, and with you by our side, we’re confident we can achieve meaningful change. Thank you for standing with us!

Sincerely, 

Claudia Huskey
Safer TN Executive Director 

Junior League of Memphis hosts Safer TN on October 2

Safer TN had the privilege of presenting at the Junior League of Memphis, speaking to over 200 women about the critical intersection of firearm safety, community well-being, and women’s health. This important discussion highlighted the pressing need for firearm policies that not only protect our communities but also address the unique challenges women face when it comes to gun violence and safety.

Leadership Nashville presentation on November 7

Safer TN Executive Director Claudia Huskey spoke to the 2024 Class of Leadership Nashville during their Government and Media Day at the State Capitol. In a conversation with David Plazas of The Tennessean, Claudia shared Safer TN’s key policy priorities and discussed how we can create safer communities through firearm safety education and advocacy. It was a great opportunity to connect with community leaders and highlight the important work we’re doing to make Tennessee safer for everyone.

Safer TN speaks with the Sumner County League of Women Voters on November 9

We were honored to speak with the Sumner County League of Women Voters at the Hendersonville Library this weekend. Our Policy Director, Erin Rogus, reminded us that lasting change takes time. It took seven years to bring wine to Tennessee grocery stores! But with your support, we are making steady progress toward our larger goals. 

Want to bring this message to your community? Email us at info@safertn.org.

Is your county blue on the map? That means we don’t yet have a car magnet or yard sign in your area—but you can change that by purchasing an item today! We’re also offering free stickers and have already received 50 requests from communities like Brentwood, Germantown, Johnson City, Kingsport, Murfreesboro, Signal Mountain, and more. Reach out, and we’ll send you a free item to show your support.

If you’re looking for more ways to get involved with Safer TN, and aren’t sure where to start, consider hosting an educational gathering, inviting us to speak at your local club or civic organization, or volunteering as a county champion. There are many ways you can help, and you can find out more here.

As November 11 was Veterans Day, we want to take a moment to highlight the critical issue of disproportionate impact of firearm injuries on our former military population.

  • Veterans are 1.4 times more likely than the general population to die by suicide, and a significant percentage of those deaths involve firearms. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 70% of veteran suicides are firearm-related.
  • Many veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions, which can increase the risk of self-harm or suicide involving firearms.
  • Creating a safe pause during moments of mental health crisis can reduce suicide risk and save lives. One way to achieve this is by securely storing firearms in a location that requires extra time and effort to access, such as a locked storage facility. Ensuring firearms are unloaded and stored separately from ammunition adds another layer of safety. Additionally, placing photos of loved ones in these storage spaces can serve as a powerful reminder that support and connection are within reach, and helps individuals remember they are valued and needed.

As we continue to advocate for policies that support firearm safety, it is crucial to consider the unique challenges veterans face in relation to firearm access and mental health. Together, we can work toward solutions that help prevent further tragedies.

From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in V.A. benefits or healthcare to connect. To reach responders, dial 988, then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

According to an analysis by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, after accounting for age differences, the veteran suicide rate in Tennessee: 

  • Was significantly higher than the national veteran suicide rate. 
  • Was significantly higher than the national general population suicide rate.

Tragically, a firearm is used in 4 out of 5 veteran suicides in Tennessee.

Man shoots an officer during a domestic violence call (WSMV Nashville) 

Memphis votes for gun control measures that are only “symbolic” (Action News 5, Memphis) 

MNPD requests SROs for every Nashville elementary school (Newschannel 5, Nashville) 

Teen facing attempted murder charge in East Knoxville shooting taken into custody (WATE 6 On Your Side)

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Safer TN Tracker | November 1, 2024

JR Pershall · November 1, 2024 ·

With Election Day right around the corner, I’m reaching out to urge you to vote if you haven’t already. The only way to make our voices heard during any election cycle is through the ballot box. If you’re unhappy with the state’s direction, voting is your chance to push for change. If you support the current trajectory, voting helps reinforce it. As election margins grow tighter, politicians pay close attention to why they’ve lost or gained votes. 

While there is work to do with lawmakers at the State House, at the end of the day, they care about what their local constituents think. Tennessee currently has the lowest voter turnout in the nation. In our August primaries, less than 14% of registered voters turned out to vote – and we had five state legislative races decided by less than 200 votes. We are not just deciding our next president in this election. In this cycle we are electing all 99 State House Members and 16 of our 33 State Senators. The down-ballot races matter more than ever to the future of policy in our state. Of all the ways you can participate in the democratic process, none is more impactful than voting. 

Since the Covenant tragedy, we’ve made strides in advancing firearm safety policies. We hope that after the election, political rhetoric will calm, allowing us to make even more progress both in our local communities and at the capitol. We know there’s still work to do, but we’re committed to making Tennessee a safer place, step by step.

Todd Cruse, Safer TN Board Chair

Looking back: Gun Policy Panel Discussion at Belmont University on October 23

Safer TN was honored to be invited by Belmont University to address the urgent and complex issues surrounding firearm safety policies, Second Amendment rights, and community safety. Our Board Chair, Todd Cruse, emphasized the critical importance of relying on accurate data to guide decision-making around firearm safety policies.

The panel drew a crowd of over 70 attendees including students, community members and lawmakers, and garnered local news coverage. Watch the news piece below.


Safer TN Men’s Coalition Lunch & Learn on October 22 

Our coalition of concerned fathers, grandfathers, veterans and business leaders gathered at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville to hear Katy Dieckhaus share the story of her daughter, Evelyn, her tragic loss and the reasons she remains hopeful for meaningful change in the future. 

The event served as a space for reflection and a call to action with Safer TN’s Policy Director, Erin Rogus, providing an in-depth overview of the previous legislative session and where the movement is going in 2025.

Early voting is over. Turnout numbers reveal Tennesseans need to show up for Election Day! 

Early voting ended on October 31. The next and final opportunity to vote is just around the corner – Tuesday, November 5. 

The latest data from the Secretary of State indicates Tennessee voter turnout is STILL below 2020 levels. But we can change this!  Find polling locations for Election Day voting here, and use our voter tool to research the candidates on your ballot to make informed choices. As a reminder, all 99 state representatives and 16 of the 33 state senators are up for election.

Safer tn voter tool

Early voter turnout by county:

If you are voting by absentee ballot, act now! Your ballot must be mailed, with postage, in time for your county election commission to receive it by the close of polls on Election Day. Remember, ballots can only be returned by mail (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.). Hand delivery or giving it to a poll worker during early voting or on Election Day isn’t permitted. Please note that the deadline to request an absentee ballot has already passed. Ensure your vote counts by mailing your ballot today or voting in person on Nov. 5!

Join Us Tonight at First Fridays in Columbia!

Experience the heart of community at First Fridays in downtown Columbia from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight! Be one of the first five people to check in at the Safer TN Pop-Up to snag a free Safer TN yard sign (normally $25 with a donation). We’ll also have additional signs, car magnets, and free buttons available! More info and signup here.

#RunForAlyssa

Alyssa Lokits was a cherished family member, friend, runner, and valued member of the community. She held a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University and was part of a large family, with eight siblings and many extended relatives. Tragically, Alyssa was shot and killed during an attempted assault while jogging on the Mill Creek Greenway Trail in Antioch, Tenn., on Oct. 14. Our policy director, along with many who loved her and were affected by her untimely death, took time to run in her honor. 

If you can, we encourage you to #RunForAlyssa this week, or join hundreds of others planning to #RunForAlyssa on Monday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m., in any time zone, any location. Share your participation on social media, and use the hashtag to raise awareness about Alyssa’s story and the need for a safer Tennessee.

Mass Shooting  Leads to Policy Change in Maine

Oct. 25, 2024, marked one year since the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, where 18 people were killed at a local bowling alley and bar. Thirteen others were injured.

In response to the tragedy, the Maine Legislature passed  a package of firearm safety laws, including a near-universal background check system that requires background checks on all advertised private sales. That means people who advertise a gun for sale online, including Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, must initiate a background check before they transfer the firearm. Safer TN supports this smart approach to expanding background checks. 

New Tennessee Firearm Death Data 

The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Prevention just released its analysis of the CDC’s recently finalized 2022 data, which provided state-specific firearm death information. 

Key takeaways in Tennessee:

  • The overall Tennessee gun death rate increased 33% from 2013 to 2022.  
  • Tennessee had the 10th-highest gun death rate in the country in 2022.  
  • Firearms were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-17 in 2022.  
  • In 2021, there were at least 150 domestic violence-related homicides in Tennessee; 75% were by firearm.

Read all the Tennessee stats here.

Safer TN is Continuing to Grow Statewide! 
We have coalition members in all 95 counties, and now are working on spreading the message further by getting yard signs and car magnets in every county as well. Don’t see your county on the map yet in red? Help us change that by ordering a car magnet or yard sign today. Bonus points for sending us a photo of your swag on your car or in your yard at info@safertn.org. If we use your photo on our social media, we’ll blur out any identifying details like your license plate number.

A growing trend: How Tennessee compares to other states with unintentional child shootings (The Tennessean; subscription)

Alyssa Lokits had a Ph.D, worked in tech, and was a dedicated runner (Runner’s World)

Community reacts to TSU homecoming shooting (Fox 17 Nashville)

Med student allegedly killed by ex-boyfriend after breast cancer charity walk (People)

A Gun Law the NRA Opposes Could Have Saved Its Employee’s Life (The Trace)

Safer TN Tracker | October 17, 2024

JR Pershall · October 17, 2024 ·

As October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, we are focusing on what is – and isn’t – being done to protect victims of domestic violence. Did you know that the leading cause of death for pregnant women is homicide, often involving a firearm? Many mass shooters have had a history of domestic violence, and Tennessee has the nation’s fifth-highest rate of firearm deaths caused by current or former partners.

Each statistic represents a life lost, families shattered, and children left behind. That’s why Voices for a Safer Tennessee advocates for secure storage, temporary firearm transfer requirements, and expanded background checks for firearm purchases to protect those at risk. Right now, those who are convicted of domestic violence or are subject to orders of protection are prohibited from possessing or purchasing firearms, but Tennessee law does not require proof that they relinquished their weapons, and firearms can be purchased through private sales without background checks. With few exceptions, those experiencing mental health crises can also keep their weapons.

We hope this issue motivates you to take to the polls this month. Early voting has begun, and your vote is crucial, so please don’t leave it to chance – make your voting plan now. We urge you to support candidates who support responsible safeguards for people who might harm themselves or someone else. Our voter tool has information about who’s on your ballot. Early voting locations in your county can be found here.

Together, we can help reduce the tragic consequences of domestic homicides in Tennessee.

Sincerely,

Claudia Huskey
Executive Director
Voices for a Safer Tennessee

“You Have the Power Walk” on October 12 
Voices for a Safer TN was honored to participate in this year’s “You Have the Power” Walk at Centennial Park in Nashville. Founded by former First Lady of Tennessee Andrea Conte, “You Have the Power” hosts the walk as a meaningful way to remember Tennessee’s children who tragically lost their lives to violence — many as a result of firearm injuries. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action to prevent such heartbreaking losses and to advocate for safer communities across the state.

Violence Summit in Chattanooga on October 8
Coalition members from Safer TN participated in Chattanooga and Hamilton County’s inaugural Violence Summit. City and county leaders came together and discussed ways to minimize violence among young adults and make their communities safer. Their innovative approaches, including community violence intervention work, are making a difference; gun violence is down 17%, according to the City of Chattanooga.

Safer TN in Columbia on October 4
Our team members had a blast meeting new friends and neighbors at First Fridays in Columbia, and will be back on November 1. Join us!

Green Hills Rotary on October 4 
Safer TN executive director Claudia Huskey and policy director Erin Rogus joined the Green Hills Rotary to present on Safer TN’s work and how policy changes have impacted rates of firearm injury and gun-related crime. 

If you know of a Rotary or other civic organization that would be interested in a discussion on firearm safety, let us know at info@safertn.org.

Our Team is Growing! 

Exciting news! Voices for a Safer Tennessee has expanded our team by adding Jessica Jaglois as our new Director of Communications.

Jessica is an award-winning investigative journalist with nearly two decades of experience reporting for local media outlets, including WKRN in Nashville and Action 5 News in Memphis, and for national news organizations like The New York Times. She has covered many stories related to firearms. She was on scene for the 2018 Waffle House shooting in Nashville, and reported on issues related to the 2021 citywide shooting spree in Memphis. Jessica brings a passion for storytelling and a commitment to advocacy for our organization. Please welcome her, and reach out with any media inquiries! Her email is jessica@safertn.org. She can be reached by phone at 615-613-1624.

Jessica has already hit the ground running, and was in Memphis on Tuesday where she sat down with Action News 5 to discuss Safer TN’s mission and her new role.  Watch here.

Early voting has started! 

Early voting in Tennessee is underway, and will run through October 31.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. All 99 state representatives and 16 of the 33 state senators are up for election. Find polling locations for early voting and election day voting here, and take advantage of our voter tool to research the candidates on your ballot.

If you or a loved one lives in one of the six Tennessee counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, the TN Secretary of State has issued special voting information for these counties. 

Gun Policy Panel Discussion at Belmont University on October 23

Belmont University is hosting Voices for a Safer Tennessee and the Tennessee Firearms Association for a spirited discussion on firearm policy, the 2nd Amendment, and community safety. Register here and join us at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, in Nashville!

Join us November 1 at First Fridays in Columbia! 

Our coalition members will be at First Fridays in Columbia on the evening of Friday, November 1. Stop by our table to say hello and pick up some swag! More info and sign up here.

Domestic Violence and Firearms

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Under federal law, those subject to domestic violence restraining orders or who are convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms and ammunition. However, Tennessee law does not require background checks on private gun sales, meaning those with domestic violence convictions can still easily access firearms. 

According to a 2023 analysis of court records by WPLN and ProPublica, “at least 75 people [have been] killed in domestic violence shootings in Nashville since 2007, when the police switched to a searchable record system. Of those, at least 29 victims — nearly 40% — were shot by people who were legally barred from having a gun.”

We know access to a firearm greatly increases the risk of homicide in a domestic violence situation:

  • The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.  
  • And intimate partner violence-related firearm homicides have risen dramatically: from 2014 to 2020 they increased 58%.
  • Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women. 81% of these homicides involved a gun, and the majority of them occurred at home. Black women are five times more likely to die by firearm during pregnancy and postpartum than white women. 
  • States with weaker firearm safety laws have a higher number of firearm-related intimate partner homicides. Between 2018 and 2022, Tennessee had the fifth-highest incidence of firearm-related intimate partner homicides in the nation. 

Scott County in Tennessee has been doing some impressive work to take the lead in addressing domestic violence. Read about their innovative approach here. 

*******

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), texting “START” to 88788, or chatting online at thehotline.org. Trained advocates are available 24/7 to provide free confidential support to people anywhere in the U.S.  
The Statewide Sexual Assault Hotline is another resource:1-866-811-7473. Additional ways to get help in Tennessee are available here. 

New White House Executive Order on Firearm Safety

Marking one year since the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the Biden Administration issued a series of executive actions to reduce firearm injury and gun violence. These include directing federal agencies to improve school-based active shooter drills and combat the emerging threats of unserialized, 3D-printed firearms known as “ghost guns.” The Administration also provided additional funding for community violence intervention programs, and clarified Medicaid reimbursement for firearm safety programs. Read the Fact Sheet on the executive actions here. 

In Case You Missed It … 

Read our press release on our Suicide Prevention Webinar, with key takeaways from the discussion that can help save lives. You can view a replay of the webinar here.  

Link Between Domestic Violence and Mass Shootings 

A recent study exploring the role of domestic violence in mass shootings in the U.S. found that 59.1% of mass shootings between 2014 and 2019 were domestic violence-related and in 68.2% of mass shootings, the perpetrator either killed at least one partner or family member or had a history of domestic violence (DV).

Voices for a Safer Tennessee on Action News 5 Digital Desk (Action News 5 Memphis)

After Covenant, Tennessee Elections Will Gauge Possibility of Gun Control (Nashville Banner) On Tuesday, [Safer TN] board chair Todd Cruse told the Banner that the organization aims to push the same platform in the upcoming session. “While it is too early to predict specific outcomes for the upcoming session, we are confident that by building on the incremental progress we’ve achieved, we can continue to make meaningful strides toward safer communities,” Cruse said.

Grandmother charged after accidental shooting death of 8-year-old (WSMV)

‘North Nashville is on fire’: Mothers, activists plea for help after mass shooting (Tennessean)

In 2019, Congress Finally Funded Gun Violence Research. Here’s How It’s Changed the Field (The Trace)

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Voices for a Safer Tennessee

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