Researcher opposes gun-control amendments

Abrahams pointed out the dangers of the proposed amendments during a discussion of the 16 Days Campaign of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. This year's campaign will focus on the role of firearms in such violence.

Abrahams said the Firearms Control Act has helped to reduce the incidence of murders involving firearms. "This is legislation that really works. We must oppose the proposals at all costs," she told The Witness, adding that proposed amendments to the act, which will be presented to Parliament next year, include lowering the age at which a firearm licence may be obtained and increasing the number of firearms allowed per person.

According to Abrahams, the perception that firearms are kept in homes for security is false. If firearms are not used to murder women, they are used to intimidate them and force them into submission. "There are women who go to sleep knowing that there is a firearm under the pillow or in the drawer," she said. "These firearms are often not used against criminals, but against loved ones." Firearms feature in up to 40% of sworn statements by women about violence in the Western Cape.

Read the full article on www.witness.co.za.