Domestic Violence and Mass Shootings: Dangerous Connections

People, overwhelmingly male, who commit mass killings often have a history of domestic violence; their first victims tend to be their wives, children, and other family members. In response, some states have developed laws to prevent those who perpetrate domestic and intimate partner violence from gaining access to guns; however, there are loopholes and gaps in enforcement. We need gun policies that better protect women survivors of domestic violence and society more broadly.

“To really break the cycle between gun violence and domestic violence… the United States needs to look at longer-term answers, not just legislative solutions. That means working to prevent domestic violence in the first place…and restricting access to guns nationwide.”