Evidence-Based, Constitutionally-Sound Approaches to Reducing Gun Fatalities in Violent Relationships

Authors

Sarah Martin, Belmont University - College of Law

Abstract

Our country is plagued by a uniquely American epidemic whereby women are shot to death by partners who say they love them. While domestic violence is a complex matter and preventing domestic abuse and domestic violence-related fatalities seems like a daunting task, the first steps are relatively simple: (1) close persistent gaps in existing firearms laws that allow dangerous abusers to obtain and continue to possess firearms, and (2) enforce existing laws regarding firearms. Ensuring that domestic abusers do not have access to deadly weapons is an evidence-based strategy to protect vulnerable victims of an otherwise seemingly unending cycle of domestic abuse, and therefore limiting abusers’ access to guns is necessary to reducing the number of women murdered in the United States each year. Enacting a comprehensive set of strategies to prevent abusers from obtaining firearms, as well as to disarm abusers who possess illegal guns, will not just reduce the number of women who are murdered by their abusers—it will make our communities safer.

Recommended Citation

Martin, Sarah (2019) "Evidence-Based, Constitutionally-Sound Approaches to Reducing Gun Fatalities in Violent Relationships," Belmont Law Review: Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://repository.belmont.edu/lawreview/vol6/iss1/7