Jurisdictions Use New Law to Hold Offenders Accountable

Pixie Gouaux Act press release 9-9-14

NEW DOMESTIC ABUSE LAW PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE HOMICIDES

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2014
Contact: Beth Meeks, (225) 752-1296

Baton Rouge, LA – September 9, 2014 – Law enforcement agencies are making use of a new law to keep firearms out of the hands of abusers. According to Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, a Gheens man was charged this week with Domestic Abuse Battery and Possession of a Firearm or Carrying of a Concealed Weapon by a Person Convicted of Domestic Abuse Battery.
The new law, named the Susan “Pixie” Gouaux Act, prohibits anyone convicted of domestic abuse battery from possessing a firearm for 10 years. The Gheens man had been previously convicted of domestic abuse battery in 2011, and had been notified of the new firearm restrictions when they went into effect August 1st. Regardless, he was in possession of a firearm when police were called to his home last week. A warrant was then issued for his arrest, and he was booked this week for violating the new law.
Keeping guns out of the hands of abusers is a top priority for domestic violence advocates in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 74% of Louisiana’s domestic homicides are committed with firearms. Beth Meeks, executive director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, hopes to see more law enforcement agencies make use of the new law.
“We are glad to see that the law is being utilized and offenders are being held accountable for violating it. We know that, when enforced consistently, laws like this can prevent domestic homicides,” Meeks said.
Meeks stressed the urgency of addressing gun violence committed against women. “Not only does Louisiana have a domestic violence homicide rate significantly higher than the national average, we also have a higher percentage of these homicides being committed with guns.” Nationally, 52.5% of domestic violence homicides are committed with a gun. In Louisiana, this number is 74%. “Keeping guns out of the hands of abusers can prevent countless domestic homicides. We have some very strong laws on the books in Louisiana, and we are pleased to see them being enforced.”

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The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) is a state wide network of battered women’s programs, other organizations and individuals who share the goal of ending violence against women and children in Louisiana. LCADV empowers its members through advocacy, education, resource development and technical assistance.

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