A key part of End Gun Violence Michigan’s intentions is to try and disarm all convicted domestic abusers and make domestic violence victims and communities all over Michigan safer. The goal of the Sept. 14 memorial service was to support new legislation that would forbid convicted domestic abusers from buying or carrying guns for eight years in the state.
Similar legislation has been approved in 31 other states, strongly tying into the goals that End Gun Violence Michigan (EGVM) has for people and communities all over Michigan. EGVM reunited people who were affected by domestic violence in Michigan to share their stories as a way to support new legislation. Their testimonials were publicized during press conferences streamed all over Michigan on Monday, Sept. 18, in order to speak further about the vigil.
Participants wanted to bring attention to the changes in legislation they are strongly pushing for, and how they plan to do what they can to help this legislation to get passed as soon as possible and in effect in Michigan. One press conferences took place at St John’s Church in Royal Oak, Michigan, in which End Gun Violence Michigan had people speak about their firsthand experiences with these issues.
Some people involved with this organization have personal experiences regarding domestic violence or gun violence and are looking to spare others from the pain they or someone close to them faced. Kelly Dillaha is the Michigan Program Director for Red, Wine, and Blue, a state organization that educates women about issues in civics, as well as helping provide tools and resources needed to help them contribute to the community. Dillaha’s job has had stories be told regarding domestic violence in people’s communities, including personal issues for both Dillaha and the women she works with.
Dillaha’s experiences with domestic violence run deeper than just this organization though, as she grew up in a household where domestic violence with a firearm took place and her sorority sister, who introduced her and her husband, was murdered by her husband.
Dillaha also mentioned that her children were at Michigan State during the mass shooting back in February 2023. “The tragic reality is that two-thirds of mass shootings are domestic violence related. We know domestic violence escalates when women try to leave,” Dillaha said.
Read the complete article at news.jrn.msu.edu