Guns For Domestic Violence Victims? Opinions Vary
From www.tulsaworld.com ~ A task force was told Wednesday that letting domestic violence victims have a temporary permit to carry a concealed weapon isn't a good idea.
Legislation proposed last session would have let some people who obtained a protective order under the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act receive a temporary emergency concealed-weapon license. The person would have had 180 days to complete a firearms safety and training course. The bill didn't pass, but it led to the creation of the Victims Right to Protection Task Force, which held its first meeting Wednesday at the Capitol.
"We think this is kind of a bad idea," task force member Paul Fockler, the legislative chairman for the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said after the meeting.
Fockler said he is concerned that the perpetrator will take the weapon from the victim and use it against the victim. He said he didn't think victims in many cases would have the "emotional strength" to pull the trigger.
People involved in domestic disputes sometimes file dueling protective orders against each other, Fockler noted. Under the proposed legislation, that would allow a potential perpetrator to arm himself or herself, he said.
Fockler said the emphasis is being put in the wrong place, adding that victims should be made more aware of shelters and resources available to get away from domestic violence.
The legislation, sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, was sought by the Oklahoma Rifle Association, said Charles Smith, the group's executive director.
Smith said he requested the measure after a woman dealing with a violent spouse got a protective order against him and was killed a day and a half later.
"A piece of paper is no weapon against a knife or a gun," he said.
Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel said he supports the concept of the legislation but is concerned that firearms training is needed up front for people seeking such a license. Whetsel also is a member of the task force.
Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, who is running for attorney general, leads the task force. He said the group is studying what is available to protect victims and what increased protections could be sought.
Legislation proposed last session would have let some people who obtained a protective order under the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act receive a temporary emergency concealed-weapon license. The person would have had 180 days to complete a firearms safety and training course. The bill didn't pass, but it led to the creation of the Victims Right to Protection Task Force, which held its first meeting Wednesday at the Capitol.
"We think this is kind of a bad idea," task force member Paul Fockler, the legislative chairman for the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said after the meeting.
Fockler said he is concerned that the perpetrator will take the weapon from the victim and use it against the victim. He said he didn't think victims in many cases would have the "emotional strength" to pull the trigger.
People involved in domestic disputes sometimes file dueling protective orders against each other, Fockler noted. Under the proposed legislation, that would allow a potential perpetrator to arm himself or herself, he said.
Fockler said the emphasis is being put in the wrong place, adding that victims should be made more aware of shelters and resources available to get away from domestic violence.
The legislation, sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, was sought by the Oklahoma Rifle Association, said Charles Smith, the group's executive director.
Smith said he requested the measure after a woman dealing with a violent spouse got a protective order against him and was killed a day and a half later.
"A piece of paper is no weapon against a knife or a gun," he said.
Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel said he supports the concept of the legislation but is concerned that firearms training is needed up front for people seeking such a license. Whetsel also is a member of the task force.
Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, who is running for attorney general, leads the task force. He said the group is studying what is available to protect victims and what increased protections could be sought.
posted by Mike McCarville @ 5:56 AM
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