A new video series brings awareness to the community about gun violence
OXNARD, Calif., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Coalition for Family Harmony released a video series about increasing safety and reducing gun violence in California this past month. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Psy.D, Executive Director of Coalition for Family Harmony, Erik Nasarenko, District Attorney in Ventura County, and Scott Whitney, Chief Investigator at the Ventura County District Attorney's office spoke about the impact of gun violence in our community and why it is important to put measures in place to help those in need.
The Coalition supports survivors of family violence in Ventura County with the means to help escape from abuse, providing a gun restraining order under the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence grant. The restraining order allows victims of domestic violence households to request the removal of a gun from a house if it creates an unsafe and threatening environment.
"Over time our legal team has noticed an unsettling pattern: the persistent and often overlooked issue of gun violence intertwined with domestic disputes. This isn't just an observation. The reality is, there's a wealth of statistical data that underscores the grave connection between these two issues," Dr. Prijatel-Sutton explains. "Gun Violence Restraining Orders, are not widely known to the public, and 96% of these important filings are made by law enforcement, but with the help of the CPEDV, we are now able to offer this critical service to our clients, hoping to spread awareness and action where GVRO's are needed most."
Gun violence and domestic violence are often linked together. 4.5 million U.S. women have been threatened with a gun by an intimate partner, and nearly 1 million have been shot or shot at during a domestic violence incident. In Ventura County, there are approximately 7,000 allegations of domestic violence each year, according to the Ventura County Family Justice Center.
"The Coalition not only raises awareness but also supports individuals in filing GVROs. Their efforts are vital in empowering citizens to take proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their loved ones from potential gun violence," said Nasarenko.
For more information, please visit http://www.thecoalition.org.
About Coalition for Family Harmony
Since 1976, Coalition for Family Harmony has served survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Ventura County. The Coalition's mission is to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; to educate the community regarding multiple forms of violence; and to prevent the cycle of violence. Since its inception, Coalition has helped save thousands of lives and stop the deadly cycle of violence in families.
Survivors may call our 24-hour trilingual hotline at 800-300-2181.
Media Contact
Emily Neglia, Marketing Maven, 8622198066, [email protected]
SOURCE Coalition for Family Harmony
Share this article