OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

EASTERN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF GEORGIA

SHALENA COOK JONES

April 16^th, 2025

For more than 5 years, over a million guns have been sold each month across the U.S., this according to background check data compiled by the FBI.  Most of those purchases are first time gun owners making gun ownership the most diverse it has ever been.  Black women, according to surveys, led the surge as the fastest growing group of gun owners in the country in fact women account for more than 50% of the membership within the National African American Gun Association.  Update: Make That 26.2 Million New First-Time Gun Owners Since 2020 • NSSF

When interviewed, these women say protecting themselves and their families is the primary reason for making their first gun purchase. The state of Georgia is part of that group seeing an increase in firearm purchases from women as well as women showing interest in learning more about self-defense through firearm safety classes. The Growth of Women of Color in Firearms - NAAGA

As part of Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones’ Survivors Series recognizing victims of violent crimes, the DA’s Office will be helping local citizens learn responsible gun ownership.  Citizens are invited to sign up to take a gun safety class being held at Savannah Tech on Thursday, April 24^th from 6:00pm-8:00pm inside the Eckburg Auditorium.  Trained professionals will work with registered attendees with proper self-defense techniques as well as maintenance and storage techniques.  The District Attorney’s Office is partnering with Project Childsafe to provide educational materials for families to be responsible gunowners.  A free gunlock for registered attendees will also be provided.

For those looking to enhance their safety awareness without the use of a firearm, the District Attorney’s Office will be holding a self-defense course for registered attendees on Wednesday, April 30^th from 6:00pm-8:00pm also at Savannah Tech’s Eckburg Auditorium.  Trained professionals will be teaching hands on techniques all women should be aware of when by themselves, especially at night. 

Both the gun safety course and the self-defense course are limited to those registered and it’s first come first served.  To learn more, please click the QR Code on the attached flyer for registration instructions.

The District Attorney’s April Survivor Series is part of an extended recognition of the 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  Established in 1981 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) became a part of a broader commitment to victim assistance as President Ronald Reagan created the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime.