Giffords begins 9-state tour on women, guns

Source: AP-EXCITE

By ALANNA DURKIN

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords on Tuesday urged women in Maine to help prevent stalkers and abusers from getting guns, part of a nine-state tour to advocate for tougher laws she says can protect domestic violence victims.

The former Arizona congresswoman, who was severely wounded in a 2011 shooting in Tucson that killed six people, told law enforcement officials, domestic violence advocates and others that those who seek "common sense" gun reforms can lead the way in safeguarding women and families from abusers.

"We can change our laws. We can win elections. Please join your voice with mine," she told the roughly 20 people gathered at the University of Southern Maine campus to discuss gun control policy ideas and challenges.

Giffords, who was shot in the head and remains partially paralyzed, spoke haltingly but clearly as she described gun violence as a pressing issue for women.

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Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords smiles as she listens to a speaker during a roundtable discussion on the first stop of her "Protect All Women" tour in Portland, Maine, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. Giffords, who was severely wounded in a 2011 shooting that killed six in Tucson, is seeking to elevate the issue of gun violence against women on state and federal levels. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)


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