Removing Guns From Batterers: Findings From a Pilot Survey of Domestic Violence Restraining Order Recipients in California

• NCJ Number: 245940
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 19 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 602-616
• Author(s): Katherine A. Vittes; Daniel W. Webster; Shannon Frattaroli; Barbara E. Claire; Garen J. Wintemute
• Date Published: May 2013
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Persons under certain domestic violence restraining orders in California are required to surrender any firearms in their possession within 24 hours of service.

Abstract

Persons under certain domestic violence restraining orders in California are required to surrender any firearms in their possession within 24 hours of service. The California Department of Justice funded a pilot program in which Sheriff's Offices in two counties developed a system for better enforcing the firearm surrender requirement. As part of a larger process evaluation, 17 restraining order recipients were interviewed about their experiences with and feelings about the removal of firearms from their abusers. Most women surveyed wanted firearms removed and felt safer as a result of their removal. Implications of the findings are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage.