Public Safety

Curb Gun Violence

Virginia’s gun rate death is higher than the national average. Virginia also has become one of the leading suppliers of guns used in crimes: In 2000, 1129 crime guns used in the various states and Washington, DC were traced back to Virginia, and 91% of crime guns recovered in Richmond were originally purchased within Virginia.  In the House, Jennifer has supported measures to curb gun violence such as:

• Closing the gun show loophole by requiring criminal background checks at gunshows; and
• Prohibiting individuals who have had their parental rights terminated as a result of abuse from purchasing or possessing handguns.

Combat Domestic and Sexual Violence

It is estimated that one in every seven families has a domestic violence incident, and one in 14 has a physical abuse incident. Women are more often murdered by someone they know and love than a stranger.  Many women need help breaking the cycle of violence, and children need even more help to escape abusers. As a Delegate, Jennifer has worked to combat domestic and sexual violence by:

• Serving as a member of the Governor’s Commission on Sexual Violence;
• Co-sponsoring legislation increasing penalties for a subsequent stalking offense;
• Co-sponsoring legislation incorporating instruction on dating violence and the characteristics of abusive relationships into school curriculum guidelines for family life education; and
• Supporting omnibus legislation amending the Sex offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry provisions to protect our children from convicted sex offenders.

Keep Virginia’s Citizens and Resources Safe

September 11^th opened our eyes to the fact that we face threats not only abroad, but here at home.  When the National Guard is deployed abroad, it falls even more to our first responders and local law enforcement to keep us safe from not only the traditional threats of crime, fire, and health emergencies, but bombs, biological, and chemical weapons.  Jennifer supports efforts to ensure that our first responders have the tools they need to keep Virginians safe.