THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701240037
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
The controversy has already begun over the federal law which prohibits convicted domestic abusers from owning guns. Many fear that the loss of jobs as a result of this law will be great. Many question whether this strict measure is necessary. Those of us who work with victims of domestic violence believe quite strongly that although the new law is strict, it is necessary.
Ask anyone who has ever accompanied a battered woman to court: It is not easy to convict someone of domestic abuse. Domestic violence happens behind closed door; often it is the victim's word against abuser's. If someone is the subject of a protective order, they may or may not be guilty of domestic violence, but if someone is convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor, it is highly likely that they're guilty. These people should not be allowed to possess guns.
This new law takes a much-needed stance against domestic violence. We cannot place V-chips in our television sets while ignoring violence in our homes. People who choose violence must see that there will be consequences for their actions and that we will no longer tolerate violence in our society.
The Rev. W. Arthur Lewis
Executive directorLutheran Council of Tidewater
Norfolk, Jan. 13, 1997