By Michele Voigt
Survivors of gun violence have lost everything. Many are mothers of murdered children. Losing your child to gun violence is nonpartisan, as gun violence does not discriminate.
These survivors share their stories of loss, over and over, to advocate for common-sense gun legislation. I know the trauma, heartache, every story, every time. Testifying re-traumatizes, and there is always an emotional toll.
Survivors in Connecticut have initiated and supported legislation. Solutions they believe could have saved their loved one and may save yours. They pay the ultimate price in getting laws passed.
It is egregious that they are not the first mentioned in every gun sense solution given in this state, particularly by a candidate endorsed by two gun violence prevention groups.
Survivors are the ones shunned, shamed, and blamed in the press and on social media. Accused that somehow they caused or contributed to the death of their loved one or their loved one was somehow to blame. They are warriors, fighting the fight and living the life that no one wants to live.
During Friday’s League of Women Voters debate, callously and with a chuckle, Alexis Gevanter said, “I took on the gun lobby and won.” Deliberate misrepresentation of her volunteer leadership with Moms Demand Action leveraged for political gain. Survivors of gun violence are the ones fighting the gun lobby and despite some legislative improvements; I assure you none would claim victory.
With a “platform for building coalitions,” she must understand that her declaration of “I” preceding her assertion of “took on the gun lobby and won” suggests she acted alone.
Her claim is offensive to the victims and survivors of gun violence and many organizations doing lifesaving “boots on the ground” gun violence prevention and advocacy work.
We must require the best of our candidates, even when they are of our own party. If we do not return integrity to governance, we jeopardize our own.
Michele Voigt – Greenwich resident, Violent Crime Survivors Co-Founder, and former Moms Demand Action CT Survivor Membership Lead
