WORK EXPERIENCE
Global Week of Action
Rose Welsch has worked as the United Nations Liaison for the International Action Network on Small Arms since January 2016. She recently spoke at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee on civil society concerns about the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms in preparation for the upcoming Review Conference. Before working with IANSA, Welsch worked as an international coordinator for Peace Boat.
United Nations Representative at Baha'i International Community (BIC)
Daniel Perell joined the Baha'i International Community’s United Nations Office as a Representative in 2011. His areas of work include social and sustainable development, global citizenship, human rights, the role of religion in society, and defense of the Baha'i Community. He is currently a Global Organizing Partner of the NGO Major Group and the Chair of the NGO Committee for Social Development. In 2010, Mr. Perell received a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and an MA in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Perell has worked with the International Service for Human Rights in Geneva, the UN in Aceh, Indonesia and other organizations in the Marshall Islands and Chile.
UN Representative for the Global Movement For a Culture of Peace
Georgina Galanis is a cultural creative, spiritual empath, sacred space / textile artist, writer and founder of THE COLORS OF LIFE: a portal manifesting creative potentials and peace initiatives for inside out consciousness evolution inspired by the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagraha + ahimsa non violent peace practices. She has served non profit boards in world service towards healing communities, some of them herein; Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy, Org for the Arts and Whole Brain Learning, Humanitarian Outreach Enrichment + Curriculum. She is the recipient of Orphans International Humanitarian Award 2011, and 2016 Alexander the Great Award as NGO ECOSOC representative of Institute of Inter-Balkan Relations. Ms Galanis is a founding member of Global Movement for the Culture of Peace, a United Nations related global community dedicated to implementing A/RES.53/243 Declaration on a Programme of Action for the Culture of Peace. A global citizen by birth, born in South Australia and raised in eastern Ontario, Canada with Greek origins, she is presently a dedicated member of the Steering committee for Coalition for Global Citizenship 2030, a UN initiative at the forefront of Education for Global Citizenship.
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ABOUT: WEEK OF ACTION
The Week of Action is a campaign created by the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) in 2003. It promotes the elimination of the expansion and abuse of guns and other weapons to generate a safe environment for all.
This year’s theme is “Rise up for Humanity: Control the Guns.”
Through global participation, this campaign calls for governments to increase control over ammunition and provide stronger support to survivors of gun violence.
Moreover, IANSA also encourages civic engagement by raising awareness, networking with people affected by gun violence.
The Global Week of Action against Gun Violence is a crucial international movement that highlights the importance of the right to life, and world safety.
Gun violence in the world
05/27/19 - Dana Tohme
What first crosses your mind when you think about small arms and light weapons (SALW)? Mass shootings, terrorism, or war and conflict? What about suicide? Would you believe that in some countries “more people are killed by guns in suicides than in murders”[1]? For instance, in 2016, Germany experienced less than 100 gun murders, but the number of suicides caused by guns was about 1,000[2]. Furthermore, the number of gun-related suicides in the United States is twice as high as the number of gun-related homicides[3]. Nonetheless, two-thirds of the international deaths caused by firearms in 2016 were manslaughter[4].
Gun violence over the years has decreased, but unfortunately, is still severely prevalent in everyday life. In 2016, there were over 500 deaths and 2,000 injuries daily[5]. Between 2012 and 2016, around 1.4 million individuals globally lost their lives because of armed violence[6]. Half of these deaths were mainly concentrated in the American continent, more specifically in the United States, and 5 other Latin American countries, such as Venezuela and Guatemala[7]. Despite the high level of deaths associated with firearms in these countries, the latter only comprises 10% of the global population[8].
The use of small weapons violates the human rights of individuals around the world. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article 3 that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security”[9]. However, the proliferation of guns and other small arms violates this basic right to protection and safety. The easier the access to guns, the higher the homicides and suicides rates are and the more human rights are violated.
In response to the global proliferation of guns, the United Nations developed a specific goal that advocates for universal harmony and the reduction of armed violence. Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) created in 2015, SDG 16 focuses on the promotion of international peace as SDG 16.4 advocates for the reduction of “illicit financial and arms flow.” Furthermore, SDG 5.2 calls for the end of gender-based violence, while SDG 4.A focuses on creating a non-violent and non-discriminatory environment. Thus, the United Nations, which includes member states and civil society, as well as NGOs around the world are working toward creating a safe and sheltered environment worldwide.
Join the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) in the fight against the expansion and abuse of guns and other weapons to improve and save lives globally!
Rose Welsch
Director of The International Action Network on Small Arms
Rose Welsch has worked as the United Nations Liaison for the International Action Network on Small Arms since January 2016. She recently spoke at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee on civil society concerns about the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms in preparation for the upcoming Review Conference. Before working with IANSA, Welsch worked as an international coordinator for Peace Boat.
Guns Purchased for Protection
05/27/19 - Aaron Muench
Most individuals in the United States today buy guns to ensure their safety. However, the purchase of small weapons only decreases their protection. In point of fact, it has severe social repercussions as it increases chances of domestic violence and suicides... Read along to learn more about the damaging consequences gun ownership has on people’s lives.
The Economic Cost of Gun Violence and Ownership
05/27/19 - Leticia Murillo
Many argue that the gun market is beneficial for the American economy as it generates employment and creates job opportunities. On the other hand, others claim that guns are crucial because wildlife agencies heavily depend on the license fees and the taxes placed on these small arms. Read along to learn about the damaging economic impact of the gun and hunting industries.
A Proactive Approach to Saving Lives
05/27/19 - Pamela Guerrero
The shootings in Columbine shocked the American nation in 1999. Unfortunately, this was only the first of many gun massacres that perpetuated into other sectors. Gun policies in the United States are weak and enable the manifestation of armed violence today and in the past. Read along to learn about the importance of stricter gun laws and regulations.
The Influence of Violent Media on Global Gun Violence
05/27/19 - Harita Vyas
Gun violence is embedded in the everyday life of any individual who has access to technology. It is strongly present in the entertainment industry, which is available to people of all backgrounds and ages. Read along to learn about the negative influence violence in the media has on people’s behavior and its relation to gun violence.
Yeshua is a human rights and disarmament activist, author, lecturer and nonviolence trainer/educator.
He has organized, or participated in, 'people's power' initiatives, from the local to the national level, on four continents, and in a score of countries.
From 1992 to 2005 Yeshua was the Regional Representative for Nonviolence International in Southeast Asia. Through that regional office, he focused on building the capacity in human rights organizations to think strategically about waging their struggle by nonviolent means, and co-authored two reports analysing widely used methods of nonviolent struggle.
Yeshua has developed and led training programs in nonviolent third party intervention as well as human rights monitoring, for activists and workers entering areas of social or armed conflict.
He currently is a Consultant to the International Peace Bureau in Geneva and serves on the board of the AJ Muste International Nonviolence Trainers Fund.
Since 2005 Yeshua has been a research coordinator and editor of the annual reports of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition.
US Constitution Does Not Guarantee Individual Gun Ownership - Misleading Interpretation of the Second Amendment
05/27/19 - Njomeza Blakcori
Americans believe that the Second Amendment ensures the right to carry small weapons. However, does this law really promote U.S civilians’ right to arms? Are Americans misinterpreting the constitution? Read along to deconstruct and better understand the second amendment.
Fred Lubang
Nonviolence Director - Southeast Asia Office
Not So Neighborly: The Negative Impact of Lax U.S. Gun Laws on Mexico & Canada
05/27/19 - Alison Skilton
The laws and regulations regarding gun violence in the United States are lax and indulgent. Not only do they negatively impact Americans, they also affect neighboring countries like Mexico and Canada. The U.S gun market perpetuates itself into these countries, despite their severe gun policies. This enables easier access to small weapons internationally. Read along to learn about the global gun market between the United States and countries near its borders.
Call to Action
JOIN US TO PUT AN END TO THE ILLICIT TRADE AND MISUSE OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS AROUND THE WORLD
This Campaign is Sponsored by
Thank you all who have worked on this incredible campaign, here is a list of all who have contributed to the campaign directly:
Dana Tohme - Leticia Murillo - Pamela Guerrero - Harita Vyas - Aaron Muench - Njomeza Blakcori - Alison Skilton - Moana Chavez - Shaune Hickson - Amelia Kirshbaum - Amelie Namuroy - Carolyn Smith - Marcellus Henderson - David Kirshbaum - Joshua Kirshbaum
Sixteen Days - 2018
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TIME FOR CHANGE
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10th, Human Rights Day. It was initiated in 1991 by the first Women's Global Leadership Institute, and held by the Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University. Impunity, ignominy and silence have allowed violence against fellow human beings because of gender or gender identity to escalate to pandemic proportions. It is time to let the voices of survivors be heard, and work toward ending gender-based violence entirely!
PARTICIPATE IN THE 16 DAYS
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Art of Survival II - 16 Days
The Art of Survival II
A 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Event
the First Art of Survival
16 Days
JOIN NONVIOLENCE INTERNATIONAL
And be a part of our AMAZING and MEANINGFUL event embodying the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. This event will bring light to a very important cause that is close at HEART to many on our team.
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We aim to amplify the stories of survivors by illustrating their strength, resilience, and determination as we support ending the abuse of power and control over fellow human beings because of gender or gender identity, through art.
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Schedule
INTRODUCTION
PRESENTATION
INTRODUCTION
Anne-Sophie Henrich and Amelie Namuroy
PERFORMANCES
Sneha Sinha
Recounting her survival story
and presenting her art
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PRESENTATIONS
Jennifer Lepke
LCAT, ATR-BC
Founder/Psychotherapist/Clinical Consultant
Jamila Hammami, MSW
In the Struggle to Change Hearts and Minds
Pronouns: they/ them/ theirs
Adjunct Professor, Hunter College
Lecturer, Columbia School of Social Work
REFRESHMENTS
Food donated by Bar Russo
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Time for Change
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10th, Human Rights Day. It was initiated in 1991 by the first Women's Global Leadership Institute, held by the Center for Women's Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University. Impunity, ignominy and silence have allowed violence against fellow human beings because of gender or gender identity to escalate to pandemic proportions. It is time to let the voices of survivors be heard, and work toward ending gender-based violence entirely!
Join us on December 11th to raise awareness on the topic of gender-based violence, a phenomenon endured by people all over the world. For far too long, violence against fellow human beings - including women, children, and people of different gender identities - has been one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries. Gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security, and autonomy of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in a culture of silence. It is time to end the silence, and relay the stories of survivors to work toward the end of gender-based violence.
Join us
The Art of Survival
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WeWork Conference Room, 173 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
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December 11th, Tuesday
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6:30 pm to 8:30 pm,
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RSVP (as we have a limited number of seats available.)
This campaign is sponsored by
Thank you all who have worked on this incredible event.
Here is a list of all who have contributed to the campaign directly:
Joshua Kirshbaum, Amelia Kirshbaum, Marcellus Henderson, Amelie Namuroy, Anne-Sophie Henrich, Lauralee Calix, Rachel LaBella, Anastasiia Vorozhtsowa,
Alex Segell, Carolyn Smith, Sakshi Agarwal, Beverly Wakiaga, Kwami Ngaojia, Burchell Gordon.
Day of Nonviolence - 2018
United Nations Representative at Baha'i International Community (BIC)
Daniel Perell
Rose Welsch has worked as the United Nations Liaison for the International Action Network on Small Arms since January 2016. She recently spoke at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee on civil society concerns about the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms in preparation for the upcoming Review Conference. Before working with IANSA, Welsch worked as an international coordinator for Peace Boat.
Director of The International Action Network on Small Arms
Rose Welsch
Join the Nonviolence International-NY volunteers, interns and staff in partnership with The International Action Network on Small Arms, Coalition for Global Citizenship, Non Governmental Organization Major Group, Peace Vision Action Coalition and The Global Movement For a Culture of Peace, as we celebrate International Day of Nonviolence.
Please join us on October 2nd from 1 pm to 3 pm at our brand new resource center located at 58 W 126th Street in Harlem.
We will discuss the meaning of nonviolence, hear from speakers what nonviolence mean to them and how they have tirelessly participated in and work towards peace building and the culture of peace, and finally how our actions and involvement can build a nonviolent world.
Guest Speakers
Rose Welsch
Director of The International Action Network on Small Arms
Rose Welsch has worked as the United Nations Liaison for the International Action Network on Small Arms since January 2016. She recently spoke at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee on civil society concerns about the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms in preparation for the upcoming Review Conference. Before working with IANSA, Welsch worked as an international coordinator for Peace Boat.
Georgina Galanis
UN Representative for the Global Movement For a Culture of Peace
Georgina Galanis is a cultural creative, spiritual empath, sacred space / textile artist, writer and founder of THE COLORS OF LIFE: a portal manifesting creative potentials and peace initiatives for inside out consciousness evolution inspired by the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagraha + ahimsa non violent peace practices. She has served non profit boards in world service towards healing communities, some of them herein; Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy, Org for the Arts and Whole Brain Learning, Humanitarian Outreach Enrichment + Curriculum. She is the recipient of Orphans International Humanitarian Award 2011, and 2016 Alexander the Great Award as NGO ECOSOC representative of Institute of Inter-Balkan Relations. Ms Galanis is a founding member of Global Movement for the Culture of Peace, a United Nations related global community dedicated to implementing A/RES.53/243 Declaration on a Programme of Action for the Culture of Peace. A global citizen by birth, born in South Australia and raised in eastern Ontario, Canada with Greek origins, she is presently a dedicated member of the Steering committee for Coalition for Global Citizenship 2030, a UN initiative at the forefront of Education for Global Citizenship.
Daniel Perell joined the Baha'i International Community’s United Nations Office as a Representative in 2011. His areas of work include social and sustainable development, global citizenship, human rights, the role of religion in society, and defense of the Baha'i Community. He is currently a Global Organizing Partner of the NGO Major Group and the Chair of the NGO Committee for Social Development. In 2010, Mr. Perell received a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and an MA in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Perell has worked with the International Service for Human Rights in Geneva, the UN in Aceh, Indonesia and other organizations in the Marshall Islands and Chile.
From the Different
Nonviolence International Offices
Around the World
Michael Beer
Michael Beer has been the Executive Director of Nonviolence International since 1998 - an avid global activist for human rights, minority rights, he also argues against war and casino capitalism. He has trained activists in many countries, including Myanmar, Kosovo, Tibet, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Zimbabwe, and the United States. He is a frequent public speaker on nonviolence and has been broadcast on CSPAN, CNN, and other major media outlets. Michael is the co-parent of two children with his life partner, Latanja.
David Kirshbaum
Executive Director - Nonviolence International
Founder, Director Emeritus - New York office
David Kirshbaum is professionally trained as a psychotherapist for the severely and chronically mentally ill and the elderly. He also studied yoga with the SYDA Foundation with the hopes of combining yoga with psychological treatment to increase patients’ quality of life.
A longtime activist, David has previously been involved with environmental causes. He was a key player in the creation of the Watershed Alliances in the Atlanta, Georgia, area, and the opening of a museum of environmental sciences on the campus of Georgia Perimeter College. In 2001, David became involved in human rights work focused primarily on the struggle in Palestine.
Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan
Nonviolence Director - Canada office
Alfredo Ferrariz Lubang, Southeast Asia Regional Representative of Nonviolence International, National Coordinator of the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines — Follow him on twitter @fredlubang Alfredo Ferrariz Lubang is the Regional Representative of Nonviolence International in Asia. Concurrently, he is the National Coordinator of the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines and convenor of a number of humanitarian disarmament campaigns. He is a peace education trainer and has taught in various universities in the region in the area of peace and conflict studies, humanitarian disarmament and international humanitarian law. He is mostly based in Cotabato City implementing a peace agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government that was signed in 2010 in Kuala Lumpur to clear the Bangsamoro areas of explosive remnants of war. His recent publication, The Role of Trust in Peace Accord Implementation: A Case in the Bangsamoro was based on this work. He is a member of the board of the global Control Arms network and served as a board member of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munitions Coalition. He holds a masters degree on Applied Conflict Transformation Studies.
Thank you all who have worked on this incredible campaign.
Here is a list of all who have contributed to the campaign directly:
Joshua Kirshbaum, Marcellus Henderson, Amelia Kirshbaum, Rachel Labella, Carolyn Smith,
Alex Segell, Burchell Gordon and Amelie Namuroy.
Kaja Grabinska, Lauralee Calix, Paul Wong, Beverly Wakiaga, Fatema Basouny,
Georgios-Ilias Belidis, Jane Nguyen, Anastasia Vorozhtsowa, Anne-Sophie Henrich, Gulzada Mitalova,
Niharika Malik, Shaune Hickson, Fillemon Shikomba, Rabeea Khalid, Alison Skilton,
Jasmine Short, Freya Tulloch, Sakshi Agarwal, and Kwami Ngaojia.
Stay updated on the many causes that the Nonviolence International New York team works on every month. Let's advocate for Nonviolent solutions across the world, together.
Become a nonviolent advocate today!
This event is sponsored by
Events
Day of Peace - 2018
More Campaigns
International Day of P E A C E
2018
Today we celebrate International Day of Peace and the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights! In honor of this important day, we’ve prepared a video presentation highlighting the role of youth in the achievement of world peace throughout history, today, and beyond.
01 - Parkland, FL students
As our countdown to celebrate International Day of Peace draws to a close, we choose to highlight the advocacy efforts of Parkland, FL students. March for Our Lives, a movement started by the survivors of the deadly Parkland shooting advocates for common-sense gun reform and has emerged as one of the biggest demonstrations of student activism in recent years. Be sure to head over to our Facebook and Medium page to learn more about this topic and other student demonstrations around the world.
02 - The Velvet Revolution
In continuing our countdown to Friday’s celebration for International Day of Peace, we’re focusing on the peaceful methods used by students in the former Czechoslovakia during the Velvet Revolution of 1989. In a matter of 11 days, activists managed to bring about the dismantling of their government and institute a more democratic administration reflecting their nation’s desires. By focusing on nonviolent practices to voice their concerns, demonstrators successfully advocated for political and social change while managing to avoid major bloodshed nationwide. Learn more about the Velvet Revolution on our Facebook and Medium page.
03 - Tiananmen Square
Our countdown to this year’s International Day of Peace continues! Today we remember the powerful 1989 student protests in China’s Tiananmen Square. Young demonstrators used nonviolent methods to advocate for social and political reform before withstanding deadly military force. We commend the courageousness of these young voices advocating for their beliefs. Check out our Facebook to learn more about these demonstrations and International Day of Peace at Nonviolent International-NY.
04 - Global youth movement demanding change and reform
The countdown to International Day of Peace begins! In celebration of this day, we turn our focus to young voices around the globe demanding change and reform. Today we remember the youth activists in Soweto, SA who used peaceful means of protests to oppose Apartheid and government brutality in 1976. Check out our Facebook page to learn more at Nonviolence International-NY.
This Campaign is sponsored by
Thank you to all who have worked on this incredible campaign, here is a list of all who have contributed to the campaign directly
Organizer - Joshua Kirshbaum
Art of Survival - 2018
The Art of Survival
More Events
A Domestic Violence Awareness Event
JOIN NONVIOLENCE INTERNATIONAL
and be a part of our AMAZING and MEANINGFUL event CELEBRATE domestic violence awareness month and the STRENGTH of domestic violence survivors. This event will bring light to a very important cause that is close at HEART to many on our team.
Through ART, we will celebrate SURVIVORS to bring awareness to domestic violence. We will have a few performances and a speaker who are EMPHASIZING their experiences and how to OVERCOME them.
You're Not Alone
Schedule
INTRODUCTION
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Amelie talks about event and her story.
PERFORMANCES
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"The Dark" & "Love by Numbers", poems by Lauralee Calix
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Dance and spoken words tribute: "Unspoken Words" by Anastia Vorozhtsova and Amelie Namuroy
PRESENTATION
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Nechama Bakst from Met Council
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Stormie Cavanaugh
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Monica Harris
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Ava Wilson
REFRESHMENTS
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Food donated by Bar Russo
Domestic Violdence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and was originally conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. The activities conducted were as varied and diverse as the program sponsors but had three common themes:
Mourning those who have died as a result of domestic violence
Celebrating
survivors
Connecting those who are working to end the violence
These three themes remain a key focus of DVAM events today. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with National Coalition Against Domestic Violence providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This campaign is sponsored by
Thank you all who have worked on this incredible event.
Here is a list of all who have contributed to the campaign directly.
Joshua Kirshbaum, Amelia Kirshbaum, Marcellus Henderson, Amelie Namuroy, Lauralee Calix, Jane Nguyen, Anastasiia Vorozhtsowa,
Rachel LaBella, Burchell Gordon.
You're Not Alone
WHY SPEAK OUT
The concept of the “Not Alone” page was to create a space for survivors of sexual assault to tell their stories ANONYMOUSLY. Share your story on this safe platform as part of the healing process and a way to express your feelings & show others that they are NOT ALONE.
A SAFE place where you can TELL YOUR STORY and express what life is like after a moment like this.
TELL YOUR STORY
Be empowered - tell your story, send us your anonymous stories and show others who have been or are going through similar situations that
THEY ARE NOT ALONE
Email NOTALONE@Nonviolenceny.org or tell your story in the form below
Gun Free Valentine
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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
GUN FREE
VALENTINE'S DAY
Valentines Day 2019, a celebration of love, ironically marks a tragic event that saw the cold-blooded murder of seventeen students and staff members. The Parkland, Florida mass shooting serves as a poignant reminder of the wider gun-violence epidemic that continues to plague America. However, unlike the issue of mass shootings, domestic gun violence, another unnervingly pervasive strand of this epidemic, hasn't received the media attention it deserves.
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52 women are fatally shot by an intimate partner every month.
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An abusers access to firearm risks of femicide by 400%
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55% of female homicides from 2003 - 2014 were committed by intimate partners, of whom 98% were male.
The truth is, the presence of guns in abusive relationships puts millions of women across the US in lethal danger every day. In order to piece together a robust-action plan, Nonviolence International (NVI) has explored, in five different blogs, the many elements that contribute to domestic gun violence. We believe the reform of federal gun legislation, the strengthening of law enforcement, challenging societal perceptions of masculinity, while having women at the forefront of this battle, is an absolute necessity if we are to collectively effect positive change.
As part of our sustained commitment to expose the horrors of gun violence against women and promote women’s leadership in the disarmament movement, Nonviolence International, as a partner of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), has joined this year’s Gun Free Valentine Campaign to fight domestic gun violence.
Nadeen Yousef
Has it always been so dangerous to be a woman? Well, if you reside in the US and your partner is in possession of a gun, death is not such a far-fetched possibility. These days, an abuser’s access to firearms increases the risk of femicide by at least 400% [1]. It may also shock you to find out that 52 women, on average, are fatally shot by an intimate partner every month [2]. Domestic gun violence remains a dire reality, one where women are disproportionately put at risk. These statistics prove the extent to which the inclusion of guns in domestic violence drastically increases the likelihood of death. This combined with the added information that men constitute a 62% higher percentage of gun ownership than women [3]; The fact that intimate partner violence accounts for 55% of female homicides (2003 - 2014), of which 98% of the suspected perpetrators are men, shows a very alarming gender-biased dynamic [4]. Due to the divisive nature of the second amendment, efforts to improve gun-control have been grossly limited. This needs to change. As it stands, the right to bear arms, in a domestic context, persists to place millions of women across the US in lethal danger.
Neda Yildirim
In order to piece together a robust action-plan against domestic gun violence, a deeper and more exhaustive understanding of the current gaps in legislation is required. We must address the fact that existing federal laws are identifiably outdated and ineffective. Despite legal efforts to toughen gun-control, many loopholes continue to be exploited by abusers who are outside of traditional relationships [5]. Sustainable Development Goal 5.2 calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women in public and private spheres. Starting with the complete repossession of guns from convicted abusers, it’s up to America to demonstrate how a state, through the rectification and rigor of legislation and law enforcement, can drastically reduce gun violence within domestic abuse. Strengthening policy implementation is equally as important to helping guarantee the safety of women from the presence of firearms in abusive relationships.
The 21st Century's Wild Wild West:
Toxic Masculinity and Domestic Gun Violence
Elisha Silva
Follow along as we analyze the association of guns with masculinity, heroism, machismo, and valor. The psychology around firearms, being a tangible display of bold masculinity, has commonly given men a sense of domination and superior strength that is applauded and worshipped on television and other media. In contrast to reality, the product of gun ownership, coupled with toxic masculinity, can be seen as contributing factors to high percentages of mass shootings and domestic gun violence in America [6].
A Lethal Combination:
Firearms and Intimate Partner Violence
Fern White-Hilsenrath
Domestic violence is learned behavior. Most men who abuse their partners were exposed to violence as children. This blog explores how abusers use guns for coercion and control of an intimate partner, as well as the red flags and warning signs of an abuser [7]. The Domestic Violence Abuse Intervention Project lets us explore men’s psychology and see several markers that psychologists look for in identifying emotional abuse and intimidation by a partner involved. Together, let’s work on ways that we can prevent the tragedies from happening in the future [8].
Jenny Park
A misconception exists that weapons are used solely for protection and only cause harm when used by the wrong people. A misinformed claim can be just as dangerous as a weapon, especially when it overlooks the dangers posed by guns and the millions of innocent people that have and still fall victim to them. Women are disproportionately affected by gun violence in the home, especially in situations where Intimate Partner Violence exists. Intimate Partner Violence and domestic violence are human rights issues. Women across the country have traditionally been silenced by abusers and neglected in policy decisions on arms control. Read along and see how both women and men can tackle issues surrounding gun reform and involving women in important policy decisions [9].
Call to Action
We’re inviting you to take part in our campaign against guns and domestic violence. We urge you to use your voice to condemn the normalization of domestic violence, dispel myths about gun control and create momentum behind a movement that pressures legislators to update federal and local laws. Use this opportunity to join in these movements organized by IANSA:
Valentine's Day is over but the campaign is not!
Social Media
BREAK THE SILENCE
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Tweet and share on social media this image with the hashtags: #GunFreeValentine #LoveLivesHereGunsDont #DisarmDomesticViolence #IANSAWomen
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Tweet and share on social media a picture of you and your partner with the hashtags: #GunFreeValentine #LoveLivesHereGunsDont #IANSAWomen
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Spread awareness of the issue of femicide and ideas for preventing it. Share the report "Gender-related killing of women and girls" by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This study highlights what more can be done to prevent those killings.
Past Campaigns!
Take a look at our past campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence specifically highlighting the relationship between guns and Intimate Partner Violence. Click to learn more about these issues and actions you can take to save lives in your community.
This campaign is partnership with
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Thank you all who have worked on this incredible campaign,
here is a list of all who have contributed to the campaign directly