Firearm restrictions in domestic violence protection orders: Implementation, vetting, compliance, and enforcement

Abstract

Research SummaryWe quantified the implementation of WA state's domestic violence (DV)‐related firearm prohibitions (RCW9.41.800) by the courts and the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit (RDVFEU), a regional approach to compliance promotion. We measured implementation, vetting, compliance, and enforcement of firearm prohibitions before (2014–2016) and after (2018–2020) the RDVFEU was implemented using a 55% random sample of granted domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) in King County, WA (n = 3543). We evaluated differences in judicial orders to surrender firearms and other dangerous weapons (OTSWs), respondent documented compliance, and respondent weapon and/or firearm relinquishment before and after implementation. Compared to DVPOs granted prior to RDVFEU implementation, granted DVPOs after RDVFEU implementation were at least 4.5 times more likely to include an OTSW. RDVFEU implementation was also associated with at least 3.4 times the odds of respondent documented compliance and at least 3.3 times the odds of respondent relinquishment of at least one firearm and/or other dangerous weapon. These findings demonstrate RDVFEU implementation was associated with benefits at each stage of the protection order process with improvements in both judicial enforcement and respondent compliance. Overall, RDVFEU implementation was associated with improvements in granted orders to surrender weapons, respondent compliance, and relinquishment.Policy ImplicationsDV‐related firearm prohibitions can be supported by interdisciplinary teams within the legal system to promote respondent compliance and enhance safety planning for DV victim–survivors.

Firearms and post‐separation abuse: Providing context behind the data on firearms and intimate partner violence

“…Additionally, legal systems need enhanced coordination to improve the implementation of existing laws that prohibit possession by domestic violence offenders. Interdisciplinary efforts such as the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit in Washington State offer one such example of coordination that enhances judicial enforcement, respondent compliance, firearm relinquishment and ultimately promotes survivor safety (Ellyson et al., 2023). Courts should review files and hold compliance hearings to see if relinquishment has occurred.…”

Suicide-related behavior and firearm access among perpetrators of domestic violence subject to domestic violence protection orders

“…This cross-sectional study used data from a sample of civil legal system-involved perpetrators of DV. In King County, WA, a population-based cohort of DVPOs was established from January 1, 2014-December 31, 2020 to evaluate implementation of WA’s DV-related firearm prohibitions (RCW9.41.800) by the courts and the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit (RDVFEU) ( Ellyson et al, 2023 ). A random sample of 55 % of all granted DVPO petitions was collected (n = 3,543) for all years from 2014 to 2020 except for 2017.…”

Intimate Partner Violence, Femicide, and General Theories: Issues for Research and Policy From the View of Modern Control Theory

“…For example, for the United States, where handguns predominate as a means of injury for femicide, interventions that restrict handgun availability for those with previous records of partner violence is strongly indicated, and given the age distribution of these offenses, at a minimum until age 25. Ellyson et al (2023), document the important role that guns play in IPV generally in the United States as well as the important role that legal prohibitions can play in reducing access to them for those with prior histories of IPV (see also Spencer & Stith, 2020). Similarly, limitations on alcohol use, for those with recent and prior IPV offenses, until a similar age are consistent with the data on age, and both IPV and IPH.…”