September 29, 2023
Statement of Esta Soler,
President and Founder, Futures Without Violence
Contact: Lisa Lederer, 202/371-1997
‘I Lost a Mentor and the Nation Lost a Hero When Sen. Feinstein Passed Today’
America Lost a Champion of Gun Violence Prevention, Women Lost a Trailblazer
“U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein is deservedly being lauded today for many accomplishments, including the assault weapons ban that saved so many lives and her pioneering work to open doors for women in Congress. To us at Futures Without Violence, she was even more: an early, outspoken, and unwavering supporter; and a true groundbreaker who understood the need for services and supports for women facing domestic and sexual violence at a time when few others did. To me personally, Sen. Feinstein was a friend, a mentor, and the person who gave me my earliest and best political experience serving on – and then chairing – the Human Rights Commission here in San Francisco in the years after the city was rocked by the assassination of its leaders.
“The murders of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk here in 1978 cemented Sen. Feinstein’s deep understanding of the toll gun violence takes and her unshakable belief that it can be prevented. Her commitment to stopping violence, in all its forms, and to helping survivors heal was deep and abiding. As she won elections and moved from the city to the federal level, her support for the work we do at FUTURES remained generous and steadfast.
“Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s legacy is a nation in which more women can ascend to the top echelons of power, we know that federal laws can reduce gun violence if we have the resolve to pass them, and stopping violence against women and children is a national priority. We will be forever grateful for her contributions and support.”
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ABOUT FUTURES WITHOUT VIOLENCE:
For more than 35 years, FUTURES has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, FUTURES trains professionals such as doctors, nurses, judges and athletic coaches on improving responses to violence and abuse. FUTURES also works with advocates, policymakers and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships. More information is available at www.futureswithoutviolence.org.
