Armed, Prohibited and Violent at Home: Implementation and Enforcement of Restrictions on Gun Possession by Domestic Violence Offenders in Four U.S. Localities

Abstract Firearms increase the risk of lethality in violent intimate relationships. Policies that restrict access to firearms by respondents civil domestic violence protective orders (DVROs) are associated with reductions partner homicide, yet there is scant literature about how such prohibitions implemented. We document four localities implementing gun possession result from and criminal restraining misdemeanor convictions; assess findings context Kingdon’s agenda setting framework. identified jurisdictions where dispossession prohibited offenders was underway collected data through in-depth interviews, site visits, documents. coded data, explanatory themes, compared The have policies ranging no state laws restricting offenders’ guns comprehensive laws. describe implementation initiatives dispossess people their jurisdictions, two distinct models which occurs, an expanded application model. In each jurisdiction, we one or more individuals who championed implementation. prohibit possessing promising, possible diverse settings jurisdictions. Here provide insight into efforts emphasize role prioritizing implementation, highlight potential realize these restrictions across states different Focusing on a much-needed paradigm shift complements traditional focus passing prevention