N.C. Lawmakers Pass Law Encouraging Gun Access for Domestic Violence Victims

[Drizzt]

N.C. Lawmakers Pass Law Encouraging Gun Access for Domestic Violence Victims

By Steve Hartsoe
Associated Press Writer


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina lawmakers have approved a measure that would require courts to give battered spouses something extra when they seek a restraining order - information on how to apply for a concealed weapon.

However, victim's advocates who support efforts to curb domestic violence said the measure could end up causing more problems by bringing guns into already volatile relationships.

"In my experience, if you've got a fire out there, I don't think you put it out by throwing gas on it," said Bart Rick, a Seattle-area sheriff who chairs the National Sheriffs' Association domestic violence committee. "When I read this ... I went 'Whoa.'"

The president of the gun-rights group that pushed for the measure said it's more about helping victims of domestic violence help themselves.

"We're not interested in them shooting their abusers," said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina. "We're interested in delivering a message: When police can't protect these people, they are capable of protecting themselves."

The measure becomes law Oct. 1 unless Gov. Mike Easley decides to veto it. His office declined Wednesday to comment on his plans.

The bill, which passed overwhelmingly in both houses of the legislature, would also add protective orders to the evidence a sheriff can consider when determining whether to issue an emergency permit to carry a concealed weapon. Normally, an applicant must wait 90 days for such a permit.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB95NZEICE.html

 

[Nathaniel Firethorn]

The alternative is restraining orders. I can't begin to count the number of women who have been killed by violent partners while under restraining order. I'd like to see these soi-disant "victim's advocates" start defending the victims so that they don't die. Then I might be inclined to believe that they have some credibility.

Wasn't there a case of a woman in California who was attacked during the 7-day waiting period and sued the state?

- pd

 

[Pilgrim]

I find it difficult to believe that such enabling legislation will turn a long term victim of domestic violence into the 'tiger' necessary to protect herself from an abusive spouse/boyfriend/etc.

Pilgrim

 

[Waitone]

Occasionally the fools in Raleigh get something right.

I however think a missing component is a clear, unambigious statement out the judicial system telling the recipient of a RO the state is under no obligation to protect. Then inform them of CCH laws, etc.

 

[Kim]

I agree with this law and hope to see it spread to other states. Many people are unaware of the fact that they can carry a firearm. There is alot of misinformation out there. This would also be a good time for the Second amendment Sisters, NRA and other groups to provide FREE training pronto for these people. Even supply or donate firearms appropriate for them. Yes this is the way to go.

 

[Jay Kominek]

I find it difficult to believe that such enabling legislation will turn a long term victim of domestic violence into the 'tiger' necessary to protect herself from an abusive spouse/boyfriend/etc.

It isn't clear from what was posted here exactly who is affected, but if it is any victim of domestic violence, then they're not all necessarily long term victims. It could be a woman who was attacked on a first date.

 

[dasmi]

"We're not interested in them shooting their abusers," said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina. "We're interested in delivering a message: When police can't protect these people, they are capable of protecting themselves."

Makes sense to me.

 

[Pilgrim]

It isn't clear from what was posted here exactly who is affected, but if it is any victim of domestic violence, then they're not all necessarily long term victims. It could be a woman who was attacked on a first date.

Domestic violence would probably be 'extinct' if the 'victims' broke off the relationship at the first sign of abuse, since the abuse generally starts as verbal abuse. It takes time and an 'enabler' in the form of the 'victim' who helps the abuser improve his 'techniques' and graduate into physical abuse.

If you want real life examples of this, listen to the Dr. Laura show where she talks to victims of long term abuse in a marital relationship. Dr. Laura invariably asks the complaining victim, "When in your dating prior to marriage did he first start pushing you around?"

Pilgrim