top of page

Why it Matters

Guns and Domestic Violence Can Be a Deadly Mix

Owning or having access to guns greatly increases the risk of harm or even death to those experiencing domestic violence -- including children, other family members, and new partners.

  • Almost 50% of San Diego County homicides of current or former intimate partners were committed with a firearm.

  • Abusers with guns are 5 times more likely to kill their victims.

  • Nearly 2/3rds of child fatalities involving domestic violence were caused by guns

  • Both abusers and victims of domestic violence have an increased risk of dying by suicide with a firearm.

Gun Safety Options in Domestic Violence Situations

Taking certain steps can help protect everyone:

  • Selling the guns to a licensed firearms dealer.

  • Asking local law enforcement for help storing or disposing of guns - see Firearm Disposal link below

  • Transferring guns to another family member or trusted friend through a licensed firearms dealer.

If any of the above are not feasible:

  • Store ammunition separately from firearms

What to expect at a firearm buy-back event

San Diego County District Attorney's Office  

www.sandiegoda.com

This project was supported by Grant No. 2017-YX-BX-0001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

bottom of page