Domestic violence is a pressing reality for millions of individuals worldwide, encompassing a spectrum of abusive behaviors that can be physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual. The statistics are stark: 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Among the most alarming and lethal intersections in this space is the presence and use of firearms. The combination of domestic violence and firearm access creates a critical situation, amplifying the threat to victims' lives and well-being.
According to one study, the presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by 500%. Everytown for Gun Safety has extensively researched the intersection between domestic abuse and firearms and found that every month, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner. Nearly 1 million women have had a gun used against them by intimate partners, and over 4.5 million women have reported being threatened with a firearm by an intimate partner. Additionally, Everytown research shows in at least 46% of mass shootings between 2015 and 2022, the perpetrator shot a current or former intimate partner or family member.
To combat the deadly intersection of domestic violence and firearm access, laws outlining preventive strategies to reduce incidents of domestic violence are crucial, such as restraining orders, firearm restrictions, and comprehensive background checks. These measures were addressed in the recent Supreme Court decision, United States v. Rahimi, granted on June 21, 2024. The ruling upheld a federal law that bars anyone subject to a domestic violence restraining order from possessing a gun. By a vote of 8-1, the court ruled that the law does not violate the Constitution’s Second Amendment, which protects the “right of the people to keep and bear Arms.”
This pivotal decision is a significant milestone for U.S. gun rights and a crucial step in addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence. The decision, while not likely to be widely used to prosecute domestic abusers with restraining orders who possess guns, plays a vital role as a deterrent, preventing these individuals from acquiring firearms. When someone is under a restraining order, their name is added to a database that blocks them from purchasing guns, similar to restrictions placed on convicted felons. The Court’s finding is a beacon of hope in domestic violence prevention, as it affirms the right to restrict firearms in some instances and reinforces the importance of preventative measures that keep firearms out of the hands of abusers.
Over the past 25 years, the database system has demonstrated its effectiveness, stopping over 80,000 attempted gun purchases by those with a protection/restraining order for domestic violence, according to the FBI. This remarkable success underscores the importance of the security measures in place to prevent domestic violence-related gun violence, instilling confidence in the system's ability to protect victims. However, even with this system in place, there are still failings when officials do not take all necessary steps and check all the boxes to prevent gun violence tragedies.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, 32 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws prohibiting individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from possessing firearms. Some of these state laws are more comprehensive than the federal law, which does not cover non-cohabiting partners. This collaborative effort between states and the federal government reflects a united commitment to preventing domestic violence-related gun violence, marking significant progress in this crucial area.
While the Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. Rahimi is a significant step forward in supporting the rights and safety of victims of domestic violence, it is crucial to recognize that our work is far from complete. This decision primarily addresses the issue of firearm access for abusers. Still, there remains a substantial gap in how our systems respond to same-sex intimate partner violence (SSIPV), specifically for females who are Lesbian, Bisexual, or trans. Despite facing similar levels of violence, female same-sex couples may encounter unique challenges, including a lack of awareness and understanding of relationship dynamics, stigmatization, and legal gaps.
Additionally, in same-sex relationships, domestic violence intervention is complicated by limited resources. Most domestic violence shelters are gender-specific, and law enforcement often struggles with identifying the perpetrator due to implicit bias. When dealing with same-sex couples, both individuals may be sent to the same shelter until authorities can determine who is the survivor and who is the perpetrator, which can compromise safety. So there’s still a long way to go to ensure we are protecting all people equitably from domestic abusers.
We urge all advocates, policymakers, and community members to join us in commending the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Rahimi for their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and recognizing the deadly intersection of domestic violence and firearm access. Your voice and support are crucial in this fight. Let's stand together and advocate for the safety and dignity of all domestic violence victims, ensuring a safer society for all.
Now, let’s take this momentum forward and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have the right to live free from violence and abuse. Stand with us as we advocate for the safety and dignity of all domestic violence victims. Let's not lose sight of our progress and the work that still needs to be done. Your continued support and advocacy are crucial in this ongoing fight.