Domestic Violence Network (DVN) on Wednesday released a comprehensive report on the correlation between firearms and domestic violence homicides in Central Indiana, titled “Reducing the Number of Intimate Partner Homicides: A Report on Domestic Violence and Firearms in Central Indiana.”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the risk of homicide increases by at least 500 percent with the presence of a firearm. This report identifies measures that can be implemented to help reduce the number of intimate partner homicides committed using a firearm.
Today, approximately 4.5 million American women have been threatened by an intimate partner with firearms, and of these women, approximately 1 million have been shot or shot at by their abusers.
In Central Indiana, the data is consistent with these national findings. According to the State of Domestic Violence in Central Indiana report released by DVN in 2020, 65 percent of all homicides related to domestic violence in 2018 and 2019 were committed using a firearm. The numbers in 2020 show a dramatic increase. Seventy-three percent of the homicides related to domestic violence in 2020 were committed using a firearm. These statistics show that the intersection of domestic violence and intimate partner homicides committed using a firearm in Indiana need special attention.
Key recommendations to reduce these cases and the number of fatalities include:
- Strengthen current firearms laws by closing loopholes that fail to protect victims against a current or former dating partner. Courts also need to utilize these laws and enforce them more frequently with the help of law enforcement.
- Move away from the honor system for firearms surrender. Removing firearms should be prioritized by improving the processes for information gathering, creating clear and enforceable orders to surrender, service of process, and compliance monitoring.
- Incorporate more transformative justice practices to help prevent domestic violence altogether. Identifying the root causes of violence in the community and an individual’s response to trauma will help change the culture that leads to violence.
“Domestic violence is a pervasive public health issue,” said DVN Executive Director Kelly McBride. “This report provides evidence and solutions that if taken by various agencies, can decrease fatalities. This effort to reduce domestic violence homicides involving a firearm will take collaboration, communication, and transparency from lawmakers, courts, law enforcement, domestic violence service provider organizations, the survivor/victim and the offender. This will not be a process that happens overnight, but I’m hopeful this report will initiate transformative conversations and drive a push for change.”
About the Domestic Violence Network
The Domestic Violence Network is a nonprofit organization that has existed for 20 years to bring all members of the Central Indiana community together to change the culture that leads to domestic violence through advocacy, education and collaboration. Learn more at DVNconnect.org.