PORTLAND, Maine (NECN) -- Former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords began her 9 state tour in Portland Tuesday to promote laws that protect women from gun violence.
Giffords started her "Protect All Women" tour at USM, where she met with domestic violence advocates and law enforcement.
In Maine, 70% of all homicides are domestic violence related.
"We can lead the way," Giffords said during the event. "We stand for common sense. We stand for responsibility. We can change our laws. We can win elections. Please join your voice with mine."
Giffords was seriously injured in 2011 after a gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Arizona, shooting her in the head and killing 6 other people.
Now, she's pushing for laws that will make it more difficult for domestic abusers to get access to firearms.
Next, she will travel to New Hampshire. From there, Giffords will visit Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, Oregon, and Washington state.
