An Open Letter to Rep. Ron Marsico Regarding Domestic Abuse, Gun Violence, and SB501

Dr. Representative Marsico,

I am writing today as a clergy member, a wife, a mother, and especially as a survivor of an abusive marriage. 

It's a shame that in 2018, there are still so many women who fall victim to abusive partners and spouses. While it is true that men also sometimes suffer abuse at the hands of a loved one, it is overwhelmingly women who are at high risk for this sort of crime. I can quote statistics on domestic abuse if necessary, but I believe that the stories of survivors like myself are more powerful than numbers. Faces and friendships mean more than charts and graphs. 

Please, for the sake of all those who are suffering abuse and are at high risk for death by gun violence because of this abuse, vote SB501 out of committee today so that we can protect these dear ones. This does not take guns out of the hands of good guys, it keeps guns out of the hands of those who are doing harm or have done harm to others. Let's make progress on this before the summer recess.

You are more than welcome to call me and to hear my whole story personally today or in the near future. I would love to talk to you sometime in person about how lawmakers and community leaders can protect the vulnerable and reduce the rates of domestic violence and the associated gun deaths.

May you be blessed as you go about your important work today, friend. 

Peacefully yours,
Reverend Charissa Clark Howe

If you live in PA and you care about the safety of women and children suffering at the hands of abusive spouses and parents, please contact Rep. Marsico and ask that he vote sb501 out of committee TODAY so that we can make progress in protecting those we love.
Email: 
rmarsico@pahousegop.com

District Office:
Phone:  717-652-3721
Fax:  717-652-6276
Hours:  M-F 9:00 - 4:30
Capitol Office:
Phone:  717-783-2014
Fax:  717-705-2010