DeKalb County, GA
DeKalb County criminal justice partners set out to save lives with a firearm reduction initiative. Though initially met with reluctance, committed individuals stayed the course until they created an effective…
Community Spotlights
Addressing the intersection of domestic violence and firearms through federal, state, and tribal laws available requires a multi-disciplinary approach reflective of the individual community. Many communities across the country are already leading the way by developing practical and effective strategies to implement and enforce domestic violence-related firearm prohibitions.
The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms engages these communities, learns from their successes and obstacles overcome, and elevates their work so others can benefit from their experience. Our goal is to help communities implement strategies that are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and meet their communities’ needs. By highlighting these effective community models, other communities can build on what works, avoid common pitfalls, and adapt solutions that meet their unique needs.
We offer hands-on technical assistance to help local agencies and organizations — including law enforcement, courts, legal professionals, and victim service providers and advocates — bring these models to life. Contact us to learn more.
Lexington, KY
Lexington, Kentucky is a community that understands that time is often critical in keeping domestic violence victims safe. Two initiatives launched by the Fayette County Sheriff and Fayette County Circuit…
Harris County, Texas
Houston, Texas is safer, thanks in part to the Safe Surrender program. Harris County State District Judge Judy Warne was a driving force behind firearm surrender. Safe Surrender Committee…
Maine
Maine Cooks Up Improvements to Firearm Relinquishment A pinch of serendipity, several cups of collaboration, and a dash of ingenuity were the ingredients that cooked up significant system change and…
State of Washington
Since 2014, Washington state law has required individuals served with domestic violence protection orders to give their weapons to police; however, most were not obeying these court orders. In 2016,…
Pueblo, CO
Despite judges’ being authorized to use the catchall provision in Colorado’s protection order statute to order surrender of firearms, there were several impediments to successfully removing firearms from domestic violence…
New Mexico
Despite the sparse population, New Mexico ranked 2nd in 2019 for the number of females killed by male offenders per 100,000 residents. On July 1, 2019, a new law went…
Lafourche Parish, LA
Lafourche Parish, located at the southern end of Louisiana, has about 100,000 residents, a robust agricultural and oil economy, and a reputation for a strong stance against domestic violence. The…
El Paso, TX
In 2005, community members in El Paso formed the Domestic Violence Surrender Advisory Committee. A unique and diverse group of law enforcement, legal practitioners, college staff, and officers from a…
Baltimore, MD
In 2009, Maryland enacted a law requiring a judge to order firearms confiscated from people who have final protective orders filed against them. Judges also had discretion to order firearm…
NRCDVF is interested in learning about all of the many communities working to address gun violence in intimate partner relationships. Please share the story of your jurisdiction with us!