WASHINGTON – The Ray Rice case continues to stir up controversy and now, 20 years after the Violence Against Women Act passed, groups are advocating for more protection for victims.

The Protect All Women Leadership Network panel focused on ways to reduce gun violence in abusive relationships, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s new bill which would make it illegal for people under a temporary restraining order to own a gun.

When he or she is given a temporary restraining order, Blumenthal says it is critical to protect a victim.

“She’s just said to him, ‘I’m leaving. it’s over.’ Or ‘Get out of here.’ And that’s the moment when the court says, ‘Give me your gun,’ will probably have its greatest effect.”

Critics say those people haven’t been convicted of anything — just accused of threatening violence — and the bill would limit gun rights and due process.

On Monday, TMZ Sports released a full-length video of former Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancee unconscious. The NFL originally issued Rice a two game suspension before overturning its decision this week and suspending him indefinitely. The Ravens also fired him.

Blumenthal calls the NFL and Ravens conduct “absolutely reprehensible” and says it’s important that new and existing laws are adequately enforced.

“One of the unexplored stories here is why the prosecutor in Atlantic County hasn’t brought charges against Ray Rice.”

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