By Alanna Durkin, The Associated Press
AUGUSTA, Maine - Gabby Giffords has launched a nine-state tour to promote tougher gun laws that she says will help protect women and families.
The former Arizona congresswoman urged law enforcement officials and domestic violence advocates in Maine on Tuesday to help her bring about change, saying "We can lead the way.''
Giffords, who was severely wounded by a gunman in 2011, spoke haltingly but clearly, telling the group, "We can win elections. Please join your voice with mine.''
Giffords' advocacy group, Americans for Responsible Solutions, calls guns and domestic violence "a lethal mix,'' noting that abuse victims are more than five times more likely to be killed if the aggressor has access to a gun.
Next, Giffords travels to New Hampshire, followed by Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, Oregon and Washington state.