Center for Disability Rights’ Response to Governor’s Plan to “Keep guns from people who are mentally ill”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10th, 2013

Contact:
Bruce Darling, Chris Hilderbrant – (585) 546-7510

Center for Disability Rights’ Response to Governor’s Plan to “Keep guns from people who are mentally ill”

(Rochester, NY):  In response to recent incidents of gun violence, Governor Cuomo focused part of his State of the State address on preventing such violence in the future.  The Center for Disability Rights (CDR) applauds efforts to prevent such violence; however, CDR is extremely concerned by statements incorrectly correlating gun violence and people with mental health disabilities.

Before the Governor’s remarks in the annual State of the State, Rochester Police Chief Sheppard linked gun violence and people with mental health disabilities.  Chief Sheppard stated, “A gun in the hand of a criminal or mentally disturbed person endangers our community and the lives of our citizens as well as our police and first responders…”

“People with mental health disabilities are not criminals in the making,” said Chris Hilderbrant, Chief Operating Officer at CDR.  “We are greatly concerned that Chief Sheppard is continuing a national pattern of inaccurately characterizing people with mental health disabilities as perpetrators of violence.  As a society, we are searching for solutions to this violence.  Scape-goating an entire group of people that has nothing to do with these acts is simplistic and wrong.”

People with mental health disabilities are no more likely to commit acts of violence than anyone else.  Studies indicate that people with significant mental health disabilities are 11 times more likely to be  victims  of violent crime than the general population.

The Governor shared his vision for an aggressive seven-point gun control initiative that includes a measure to “keep guns from people who are mentally ill.”  Further, the written State of the State identifies a policy for “reporting by mental health professionals” as a mechanism to achieve this.

CDR is concerned that these reforms could discourage people from self-identifying as having a mental health disability or seeking treatment.  Further, people receiving services for mental health needs may be reluctant to be honest with their treatment professionals out of fear of repercussions.

“We appreciate that the Governor has not called for forced treatment or increased institutionalization,” said Bruce Darling, President/CEO for the Center for Disability Rights. “We are concerned, however, by any rhetoric that places unwarranted blame on people with mental health disabilities and distracts the dialogue from real solutions.”

CDR applauds the Governor’s commitment to resolving gun violence in the state of New York. CDR urges the Cuomo Administration to ensure that efforts to address gun violence do not result in further stereotyping and stigmatization of people with mental health disabilities and a greater push toward unnecessary institutionalization.

CDR is a disability led, not-for-profit corporation.  We provide services to people with disabilities and seniors within the framework of an Independent Living Model which promotes independence of people with all types of disabilities, enabling choice in living setting, full access to the community, and control of their life.

CDR works for national, state, and local systemic change to advance the rights of people with disabilities by supporting direct action, coalition building, community organizing, policy analysis, litigation,  training for advocates, and community education.

CDR advocates for the full integration, independence, and civil rights of people with disabilities.