Day 7: Guns & Intimate Partner Violence
Day 7: Guns & Intimate Partner Violence
Thank you for taking this challenge! If this is your first time joining the 10-Day Racial Justice Challenge, welcome. If you are returning after previous engagement with the challenge, nice work! We are glad you are here. From Monday, September 9th through Friday, September 20th, YWCA Spokane will send, those who registered for our challenge, emails each weekday prompting you to take time to learn about racial equity and social justice.
We hope this challenge provides you with an opportunity to better understand concepts related to race, power, privilege, and leadership. Thank you for participating!
Challenge | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10
The presence of firearms in homes where domestic abuse occurs can make situations much more dangerous and complex. When guns are involved, what might start as a heated argument or a threatening situation can quickly turn deadly.
Throughout the years, studies have shown that having a gun in an abusive household significantly raises the risk of violence becoming fatal. Research from the Violence Policy Center indicates that women living in homes with firearms are five times more likely to be murdered compared to those in homes without guns. Abusers can use guns to threaten, control, or intimidate their victims, making it much harder for victims to seek help or leave the situation. The fear of a gun being used against victims can keep them trapped in the cycle of abuse.
The psychological impact on victims is severe. Living under the constant fear of being harmed or even killed creates a state of high anxiety, which can lead to serious mental health issues, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims might also feel so scared that they avoid reaching out for help or reporting the abuse, further trapping them in a dangerous situation.
Firearms give abusers a powerful tool for control. The presence of a gun can enhance the abuser’s ability to dominate and manipulate their victim. A gun is not just a weapon, but a symbol of power and control. Abusers might use the threat of violence to force their victims into submission or silence. This escalation of violence can make the abuse even more severe.
When police respond to domestic violence calls involving guns, they face greater risks as firearms make these situations much more dangerous for everyone involved, including the officers and the victims. This added risk can delay intervention or result in less effective responses, making it harder to resolve the situation safely.
To address these issues, it's crucial to have effective laws and policies. For example, the Lautenberg Amendment in the U.S. bans individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from owning firearms. However, enforcing such laws can be inconsistent, and many areas still lack strong measures to deal with the dangers of firearms in abusive situations.
Moving Forward
It’s important to support victims with resources and education. Programs that inform people about the dangers of firearms in domestic abuse situations can help with prevention and intervention.
The presence of firearms in domestic abuse situations makes the violence more dangerous and complicated. Guns increase the risk of fatal outcomes and can be used to control and intimidate victims. Tackling this issue requires effective laws, better enforcement, and strong support systems to help victims. By addressing these factors, we can work towards reducing the deadly impact of firearms in domestic abuse cases.
View our Power Control Wheel regarding Intimate Partner Domestic Abuse.
If you have...
how the Supreme Court ruling impacts Spokane firearm surrender in domestic violence situations.
![Image Of A Grey Clock With Text That Says, "10 Minutes"](https://ywcaspokane.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/10-Minutes.png "Image Of A Grey Clock With Text That Says, "10 Minutes"")
that discusses the intersection of domestic violence and firearm access.
![Image of a grey clock with text that says, "1 hour"](https://ywcaspokane.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1-Hour.png "Image of a grey clock with text that says, "1 hour"")
highlighting how the presence of firearms can intensify intimate partner violence.
Additional Resources
Thank You Mission Partners
To learn more about partnering with YWCA Spokane in support of this Racial Justice Challenge, please contact Erica Schreiber, Director of Community Engagement via email ericas@ywcaspokane.org or phone at 509-789-8275.
By: Jazmin Duran
Share:
Categories:
Related Posts
Barriers to Reporting DV
In advance of Pathways Forward conversation on October 23rd, this blog focuses on the barriers survivors face in reporting domestic violence to law enforcement. Key challenges include fear of retaliation, lack of trust in police, privacy concerns, mandatory arrest policies, socioeconomic factors, and insufficient resources. Understanding these barriers is essential
2024 Voter Resource Guide
Important Dates September 17 – National Voter Registration Day October 28 – Register to Vote Deadline November 5 – General Election Ballots due by 8pm How To Vote Before the election we encourage everyone to check their voter registration status to ensure that their information is up to date, their…
Day 10: Challenge Recap
Over the past nine days, we explored healthcare discrimination, gender financial inequality, and the links between white supremacy and gun violence. By addressing systemic barriers and advocating for policy changes, we can support marginalized communities and create a more inclusive society. Thank you for participating in the 2024 Racial Justice