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Gun violence doesn’t always start with a crime. Sometimes, the signs are there—escalating threats, mental health concerns, violent behavior—and we need tools to act before it's too late.
A Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) is that tool.
GVROs give families, household members, and law enforcement a legal pathway to temporarily remove guns and prevent someone from purchasing new ones when there’s clear risk of harm. It's not about punishment—it's about protection.
THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT DOMESTIC GUN VIOLENCE
THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT DOMESTIC GUN VIOLENCE
In California alone from 2001-2012,
1,674
deaths
1,674
deaths
resulted from domestic violence. That’s 167 women each year.
California Department of Justice Homicide in California data. Available at https://oag.ca.gov/cjsc/pubs#homicide.In the United States from 2001-2012,
6,410
WOMEN
6,410
WOMEN
were murdered by an intimate partner using a gun. That’s 600 women each year.
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Supplemental Homicide Data (U.S. Department of Justice, 2001-2012); U.S. Department ofDefense, U.S. Casualty Status Fatalities (2014), available at http://defense.gov/news/casualty.pdfIn California alone since just 2021:
82
homicides
82
homicides
derived from domestic violence.
2021 Homicide in California. California Department of Justice. Available at https://data-openjustice.doj.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/Homicide%20In%20CA%202021.pdf.A woman is
5x more likely
5x more likely
to be killed by an abusive partner who has access to firearms.
Campbell JC, Webster D, Koziol-McLain J, Block C, Campbell D, Curry MA, Gary F, Glass N, McFarlane J, Sachs C, Sharps P, Ulrich Y, Wilt SA, Manganello J, Xu X, Schollenberger J, Frye V, Laughon K. Risk factors for femicide in abusive relationships: results from a multisite case control study. Am J Public Health. 2003 Jul;93(7):1089-97. doi: 10.2105/ajph.93.7.1089. PMID:12835191; PMCID: PMC1447915.Nearly
1 million women
1 million women
in the U.S. today reported being shot or shot at by an intimate partner.
Susan B. Sorenson and Rebecca A. Schut, “Nonfatal Gun Use in Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review of the Literature,” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse 19, no. 4 (2018): 431–442.Black women are
twice as likely
twice as likely
to be shot and killed by an intimate partner in comparison to white women.
Petrosky, E., Blair, J. M., Betz, C. J., Fowler, K. A., Jack, S. P., & Lyons, B. H. (2017). Racial and ethnic differences in homicides of adult women and the role of intimate partner violence—United States, 2003–2014. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66(28), 741.Real Talk: GVROs Aren’t About "Snitching"
Real Talk: GVROs Aren’t About "Snitching"
They’re about protecting people—especially survivors, youth, and community members caught in the crossfire of someone else's crisis. You can care about someone deeply and still take action to keep them (and others) safe.
You’re Not Alone
You’re Not Alone
At Genuinely Me, we believe in prevention, protection, and community-centered care. If you’re thinking about a GVRO but not sure where to start, reach out. We’re here to walk with you through the process—confidentially, respectfully, and without judgment.
What is a "Gun Violence Restraining Order"? (GVRO)
What is a "Gun Violence Restraining Order"? (GVRO)
REMOVING FIREARMS FROM ABUSIVE PEOPLE
REMOVING FIREARMS FROM ABUSIVE PEOPLE
GVROs allow family members, household members, and law enforcement to work with courts to temporarily remove guns and prevent the purchase of new guns by individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. The GVRO is a civil procedure, not a criminal one. The goal is to ensure safety of the individual and those around them.
Option House would like to help you
start the process for a
gun violence restraining order
start the process for a
gun violence restraining order
FAQ
FAQ
What is a gun violence restraining order?
A legal tool that allows family members, law enforcement officers, or other concerned individuals to ask a court to temporarily remove firearms from an individual who may be a danger to themselves or others.
How does a gun violence restraining order work?
After filing a petition with the court, a judge will review the evidence presented and determine whether or not to issue a temporary restraining order. If granted, the order will require the individual to turn over their firearms and prohibit them from purchasing or possessing firearms for a certain period of time.
Who can file for a gun violence restraining order?
Family members, household members, law enforcement officers, and school employees can file for a gun violence restraining order.
What is the process for filing for a gun violence restraining order? How long does it take?
XX
What are the warning signs of potential gun violence?
It is essential to include a list of warning signs that may indicate someone is a danger to themselves or others. These may include threats of violence, erratic behavior, substance abuse, and a history of domestic violence.
How can individuals file for a gun violence restraining order?
It is important to provide information on how individuals can file for a gun violence restraining order, including the necessary forms and where to file them.
What are the benefits of a gun violence restraining order?
A gun violence restraining order can help prevent tragedies by temporarily removing firearms from individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others.
What is the duration of a gun violence restraining order?
The duration of a gun violence restraining order varies by state, but they are typically temporary and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
What should individuals do if they have concerns about someone who may be a danger to themselves or others?
Encourage individuals to speak up and report any concerns they may have about someone who may be a danger to themselves or others. Provide resources and contact information for law enforcement and mental health services.
What are the consequences of violating a gun violence restraining order?
It is important to include information on the legal consequences of violating a gun violence restraining order, including fines and potential jail time.
Where can individuals find more information about gun violence restraining orders?
Provide contact information for local law enforcement, mental health services, and other resources where individuals can find more information about gun violence restraining orders.
What's the difference between a GVRO and a Domestic Violence Restraining order or DVRO?
GVRO only prevents the subject of the order from possessing or obtaining firearms or ammunition, it does not bar contact or require that the subject restrict themselves from being near the petitioner.
For personal protection from a spouse, family member, or household member, one can proceed for a DVRO. The process of obtaining a DVRO is similar to the GVRO but there are different requirements and documentation needed to obtain an order.
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