July 3, 2019 Blog
Disarm Domestic Violence
In an average month in the United States, 52 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500 percent.
The intersection of firearms and domestic violence is particularly lethal, which is why it is so important to have comprehensive policies in place to disarm domestic abusers. In Washington state, we have some of the strongest laws in the country designed to keep guns out of the hands of abusers and protect victims.
But domestic violence protection orders and firearm surrender laws vary greatly state to state, creating a confusing system that is difficult to navigate for victims and advocates alike.
That is why we came together with The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, and Prosecutors Against Gun Violence to create DisarmDV.org.
DisarmDV.org was built to help survivors, advocates, officers of the court, and others access information and resources to disarm domestic abusers.
The site allows individuals to research state-specific laws on domestic violence restraining orders and firearm removals. It is designed to present information in a user-friendly manner, featuring an interactive map that allows users to learn about state-specific firearm removal and compare laws by state. Disarm Domestic Violence is also home to information and resources about domestic violence and firearms laws at the federal level.
No one should have to live in fear of an armed abuser. Information about firearm removal should be readily available and easy to understand. Disarm Domestic Violence is a much-needed and empowering resource for those seeking information about firearm removal in domestic violence situations. We know it will help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and help save lives.
–Kristen Ellingboe is the Communications Manager at the Alliance for Gun Responsibility.