HOUSTON – During Domestic Violence Awareness month, Maisha Colter, CEO of the Houston-based Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse is highlighting the connection between firearms and domestic violence incidents and raising concerns about safety in homes where firearms are easily accessible.
Colter recently outlined the risks firearms pose in domestic violence situations, especially when emotions escalate and conflicts turn violent.
According to Colter, firearms are used in nearly 60% of domestic violence-related homicides. With cases involving firearms frequently ending fatally, advocates and legal experts stress the need for proactive safety measures.
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“Easy access to firearms during a domestic dispute is alarming and often escalates a situation that may have already involved violence or threats,” Colter said. “We know that protective orders are a critical tool in preventing gun violence in these cases.”
Gun Surrender programs and legal protections
In Harris County, a gun surrender program provides a temporary solution, where individuals with protective orders against them must surrender their firearms. Once the order is completed, they may regain possession, balancing victim protection with legal rights.
Colter says protective orders serve as an important tool in removing guns from homes where violence has occurred.
The Case of United States v. Rahimi
The Supreme Court recently addressed the role of firearms in domestic violence cases in United States v. Rahimi. This case, which originated in Texas, involved a man who argued his Second Amendment rights were being violated after receiving a protective order related to multiple instances of public abuse against his partner.
In a landmark decision, the court upheld that individuals with protective orders should not possess firearms, citing concerns for victim safety and the potential for lethal violence in the home.
BACKGROUND: Woman in custody after shooting, killing husband, HCSO said
This decision, Colter noted, “represents a significant step forward in prioritizing the lives of those affected by domestic violence.”
Resources and Support
Domestic violence situations often thrive in silence, shame, and secrecy, which can further endanger victims. Colter encourages those affected to seek support and utilize resources, reminding the public that domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous for law enforcement officers.
“People don’t have to suffer in silence,” Colter said. “Resources are available to help protect and support those in need.”
She said AVDA continues to advocate for protective measures to keep firearms out of violent situations, working to increase awareness of these issues and offer support to domestic violence survivors.
KPRC 2 wants you to know that resources are is available to help you leave these situations before it’s too late.
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