Spokane, WA – October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, joins the U.S. Department of Justice in commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month, paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors.
Domestic violence, dating violence, and intimate partner violence can have long-lasting impacts and consequences. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes; however, rates are disproportionately higher for
American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with disabilities. Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.
A crucial part of combatting domestic violence and reducing violent crimes includes enforcing federal firearm prohibitions. Domestic violence abusers with access to a gun are five times more likely to kill their partners. In addition to their lethality, firearms are used by abusers to inflict fear, intimidation, and coercive control. Under federal law, people with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions and those subject to domestic violence protective orders are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.
In October 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref announced her office’s Safe Homes and Safe Community Initiative to prevent domestic violence homicides and prevent abusers who have previously been convicted of domestic violence offenses from having access to firearms. Working with the Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office to target individuals who were identified as repeat domestic violence abusers in possession of firearms. Data shows that offenders with a history of domestic violence pose a high risk of homicide to their family members. Indeed, domestic violence offenders with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than other offenders.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Federal prosecutors witness the devastating impacts of domestic violence on the lives of victims and their families, who may endure long-term trauma and are at increased risk for returning to abusive relationships. Here in the Eastern District of Washington, my Office is committed to use all the tools at our disposal—including leveraging our partnerships with local law enforcement and local prosecutors—to ensure victims have a viable path to safety and justice.”
Several cases have already been charged in Safe Homes, Safe Community. Some examples include:
- United States v. James Duane Deckard, 1:22-cr-02066-MKD: Sentenced to 48 months in March 2023 for being an Unlawful User of Controlled Substances and Person Convicted of Domestic Violence in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, in connection with pointing a firearm at his intimate partner during a domestic dispute;
- United States v. Frederick Terrell, 2:22-cr-00138-RMP: Sentenced to 51 months in June 2023 for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in connection with sending his domestic partner a series of threating videos of himself firing a pistol;
- United States v. Daniel Parks Conant, 2:23-cr-00057: Indicted in May 2023, for possessing a firearm after being convicted of domestic abuse on the Colville Indian Reservation in February 2021.
U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “Right here in Eastern Washington my Office’s Safe Home Safe Community Initiative focuses on curbing gun violence by removing firearms unlawfully possessed by individuals with a track record of violent crime and domestic violence – these efforts protect victims, law enforcement, and the entire community.”
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U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “Right here in Eastern Washington my Office’s Safe Home Safe Community Initiative focuses on curbing gun violence by removing firearms unlawfully possessed by individuals with a track record of violent crime and domestic violence – these efforts protect victims, law enforcement, and the entire community.”
Facing domestic violence? Find support in your state through @OVWJustice’s Local Resources: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources
Immediate help for domestic violence victims: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (@ndvhofficial) at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline (@strongheartsdv) at 1-844-762-8483. #DVAM2023