RT Article
T1 Firearm restrictions in domestic violence protection orders: Implementation, vetting, compliance, and enforcement
JF Criminology & public policy
VO 23
IS 4
SP 803
OP 832
A1 Ellyson, Alice M.
A2 Adhia, Avanti
A2 Shanahan, Sandra
A2 Alsinai, Aisha
A2 DiMascolo, Lisa
A2 Reygers, Maxmilliaan
A2 Bowen, Deirdre
A2 Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1914427823
AB Research Summary We quantified the implementation of WA state's domestic violence (DV)-related firearm prohibitions (RCW9.41.800) by the courts and the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit (RDVFEU), a regional approach to compliance promotion. We measured implementation, vetting, compliance, and enforcement of firearm prohibitions before (2014-2016) and after (2018-2020) the RDVFEU was implemented using a 55% random sample of granted domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) in King County, WA (n = 3543). We evaluated differences in judicial orders to surrender firearms and other dangerous weapons (OTSWs), respondent documented compliance, and respondent weapon and/or firearm relinquishment before and after implementation. Compared to DVPOs granted prior to RDVFEU implementation, granted DVPOs after RDVFEU implementation were at least 4.5 times more likely to include an OTSW. RDVFEU implementation was also associated with at least 3.4 times the odds of respondent documented compliance and at least 3.3 times the odds of respondent relinquishment of at least one firearm and/or other dangerous weapon. These findings demonstrate RDVFEU implementation was associated with benefits at each stage of the protection order process with improvements in both judicial enforcement and respondent compliance. Overall, RDVFEU implementation was associated with improvements in granted orders to surrender weapons, respondent compliance, and relinquishment. Policy Implications DV-related firearm prohibitions can be supported by interdisciplinary teams within the legal system to promote respondent compliance and enhance safety planning for DV victim-survivors.
K1 Domestic Violence
K1 Firearms
K1 policy and practice
DO 10.1111/1745-9133.12639