Representative Adriano Espaillat Introduces Gladys Ricart Resolution

Press Release

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in support of his resolution, The Gladys Ricart Resolution, named in honor of the life and legacy of Gladys Ricart, whose life was taken on her wedding day and the countless victims of intimate partner homicide from gun violence:

"I introduce this resolution today to honor the memory of one of my constituents, Gladys Ricart and the countless victims of intimate partner firearm homicides and to reaffirm my commitment to address domestic violence and garner support for programs designed to end the prevalence of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse in the United States," said Rep. Espaillat.

"One in three women have experienced sexual and domestic violence in their lifetime--with even higher rates among women of color and trans women. Additionally, every month, 57 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner, a stark reality that there is much more work that needs to be done to protect and empower women experiencing such trauma.

"Congress must take immediate action to support the victims of domestic and intimate partner violence, and by introducing this resolution today, I seek to carry forward Gladys Ricart's legacy and honor her life, which has had a profound and lasting impact throughout New York's 13th congressional district and beyond."

The presence and prevalence of intimate partner violence with a firearm is staggering and has affected a reported 4.5 million women in the United States. Furthermore, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by the intersection of guns and intimate partner violence. One in three Hispanic women has experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, and more than half of the population of American Indian/Alaskan Native women have experienced the same abuse.

Consequentially, mass shootings connected to instances of domestic or intimate partner violence is reportedly 21% more violent and deadly than mass shootings with no connection. Between 2014 and 2019, nearly 60% of mass shootings were connected to instances of domestic or intimate partner violence.

These alarming facts warrant immediate Congressional recognition and action.

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