Domestic violence survivor Kelly Sutliff returns to Guns & Mental Health with a major update: after years of legal battles, having her firearm confiscated, and navigating New Jersey’s firearm permitting system, she has finally been approved to own a handgun again.

But getting there was anything but simple.

Kelly shares what happened after she reapplied for her New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, why she was asked to undergo psychological and psychiatric evaluations, how the process ultimately cost her nearly $10,000, and why she believes her experience raises serious questions about red flag laws, due process, domestic violence survivors, and the restoration of firearm rights.

Michael Sodini, Kevin Berry, and Rafael join Kelly for a wider conversation about what happens when firearm laws intersect with domestic violence, mental health evaluations, victim safety, and the realities of navigating the legal system.

Rafael also shares how Bersa stepped in to help make Kelly whole by donating the handgun she was finally able to purchase after receiving approval.

The conversation then turns to Kelly’s Canines: Tales of Courage, the nonprofit Kelly founded to provide trained protection dogs to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors at no cost. Kelly explains how her own protection dog helped restore a sense of safety after her firearm was taken and how that experience inspired her to help other survivors.

This episode explores:

• Kelly’s original red flag and firearm confiscation
• Her experience as a domestic violence survivor in New Jersey
• The process of restoring her firearm rights
• Psychological evaluations for firearm ownership
• The nearly $10,000 cost of navigating the process
• Due process and red flag laws
• Firearm ownership and mental health
• Bersa’s decision to donate Kelly a handgun
• Protection dogs as another option for survivor safety
• Kelly’s Canines: Tales of Courage
• How firearm policy can create unintended consequences for victims

Walk the Talk America works to bridge the gap between mental health and responsible firearm ownership through education, conversations, partnerships, and programs designed to reduce suicide and improve mental wellness without stigmatizing gun owners.

If Kelly’s story resonates with you, share this episode. These conversations matter, particularly when laws designed to protect people may have unintended consequences for the very individuals they are intended to help.

Linbks:

Kelly Sutliff

https://www.instagram.com/kellys_k9s_tailsofcourage/
https://www.instagram.com/real_talk_with_kelly/
https://www.kellysk9s.org
https://www.youtube.com/@KellysK9sTailsofCourage
https://www.tiktok.com/@tails_of_courage

Bersa

https://www.instagram.com/bersa_usa/
https://bersausa.com
https://www.facebook.com/BersaArms

Rafael DelValle

https://www.instagram.com/rdelvalle1/

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