Firearm restrictions in domestic violence protection orders

Implementation, vetting, compliance, and enforcement

Bibliographic Data

ID12776303
AuthorsAlice M Ellyson (0000-0001-8648-3442, University of Washington, corresponding author), Avanti Adhia (0000-0002-3582-2990, University of Washington), Sandra Shanahan (Drug Enforcement Administration), Aisha Alsinai (University of Washington), Lisa DiMascolo (University of Washington), Maxmilliaan Reygers (University of Washington), Deirdre Bowen (0000-0002-4555-2947, University of Washington), Ali Rowhani-Rahbar (0000-0002-2705-4485, University of Washington)
Year2023
Volume23
Issue4
Pages803-832
Publication date2023-09-06
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCriminology & Public Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1538-6473 • E-ISSN: 1745-9133
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1745-9133.12639
OpenAlexW4386482843
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited28

Research Summary We 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 Implications DV‐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

Business · Domestic violence · Enforcement · Environmental health · Injury prevention · Law enforcement · Logistic regression · Odds · Poison control · Political science · Respondent · Surrender · Vetting · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Law · Medicine

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