Dem Lawmakers Propose “Safe At Home” Bill To Keep Guns Out Of DV Offenders’ Hands
Legislation would strengthen victim protections, separate firearms from violent offenders, say lawmakers
State Reps. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Janine R. Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) today introduced legislation aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence from gun violence by requiring individuals convicted of a domestic violence crime or served with a civil protection order to turn over their firearms to law enforcement.
“No woman should have to live in fear that the ex-boyfriend or ex-husband they filed a protection order against will be able to track her down and harm or even kill her with a firearm. This legislation will protect vulnerable Ohioans by closing the dangerous gaps in Ohio law that make it easy for domestic abusers to access guns,” said Antonio. “The General Assembly should act without delay to protect victims of domestic abuse by supporting this common-sense policy that will save lives in our state.”
The “Safe at Home” bill mirrors federal law, which prohibits gun possession by criminals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence charges and by those subject to permanent protection orders. The Cleveland-area lawmakers’ proposal would also allow judicial discretion in cases of temporary protection orders—allowing a judge to order the surrender of firearms while a temporary restraining order is in effect.
“The presence of a firearm in a home where domestic violence exists can transform a simple argument into murder in a matter of seconds,” said Boyd. “It is our responsibility as legislators to speak on behalf of the thousands of victims of domestic violence—those whom we've lost, and those this bill might save—and enact policies that make everyone more safe.”
The Center for American Progress reports the most dangerous time period for victims in abusive relationships is immediately after they file a civil protection order. The “Safe at Home” legislation creates a state-level enforcement mechanism that would require an individual to transfer their firearms to a law enforcement agency or a federally licensed firearms dealer within twenty-four hours of the issuance of a court-order.
“When do we start to take the death of women seriously in Ohio?” said Nancy Neylon, Executive Director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. “By separating domestic abusers from their firearms, we can potentially save lives.”
The bill now awaits its assignment to a House Committee for further consideration.
Nickie Antonio
State Representative Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) is honored to be serving her third term in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she was elected by her collegaues as Minority Whip for the 131st General Assembly. House District 13 includes the city of Lakewood in its entirety and parts of Cleveland’s West Side including the Detroit Shoreway (Gordon Square Arts District), the Stockyards, West Boulevard, Cuddell, the Village of Linndale, and a section of Ohio City neighborhoods. Representative Antonio is a civic minded public servant who is concerned with the quality of life of those around her and has been a social justice advocate working for human rights and equality for all people for more than two decades. Antonio began her public policy service when she was elected to Lakewood City Council in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009. During her tenure on Lakewood City Council she chaired the Economic Development, Housing, and Human Services committees and served on the Public Works and Finance Committees and was the council representative for the Lakewood Hospital Board and Community Relations Boards. She brought successful strategies for economic development through proactive policies such as the first ever sidewalk dining legislation, the results of which can be seen today in the vibrant outdoor dining scene throughout the city. Ever concerned about environmental policy and practice, Antonio also shepherded through legislation to reduce toxic emissions through a reduced idling ordinance. Antonio also exercised leadership by developing opportunities for diversity appreciation and understanding and civic engagement through the Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission of which she was a founder and promoted citizen human rights by expanding protections in the existing municipal intimidation laws. She also championed the push to retain funding for senior programs and services. Antonio is an alumni of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior and Executive Leadership program for State and Local governments. The first in her family to graduate from college, Antonio holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Maxine Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, also from CSU. She is a graduate of Lutheran West High School located in Rocky River, Ohio. A former Special Education teacher and non-profit Executive Director for a women’s outpatient drug/alcohol treatment program, she also served for nearly two decades as a consultant to non-profits and governmental agencies throughout Northeast Ohio and served as administrator for a multi-County HIV/AIDS regional planning group. During this same period she was an Adjunct Professor at CSU teaching courses in Women’s Studies and Public Administration policies and practice. She continues her civic involvement through membership in numerous community groups and serves in an advisory capacity for Spaces Art Gallery and on the board of the non-profit Cleveland Tenants Organization. Antonio currently serves as Ranking Member of the Health and Aging Committee. She also serves on the Finance and Appropriations Committee, Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee, and the Joint Legislative Committee for Unified Long-Term Servics and Supports. Rep. Antonio is a member of the Ohio House Democratic Women's Caucus. Because of her social justice advocacy and activity, Antonio is known as a collaborative community builder and organizer. She is an enthusiastic proponent of the arts and civic engagement as some of the best tools available to develop local and statewide viability and economic success. She is also a certified coach and advocates the benefits to the world when people are valued and encouraged to rise to their highest potential and purpose. Daughters Ariel and Stacey, both Lakewood High School graduates, have made Rep. Antonio and partner Jean Kosmac very proud as the girls engage in their post-secondary pursuits.