Gun Usage and Domestic Violence
By: Hannah Ravenell
Domestic Violence is best defined as behavior occurring in the context of a relationship used to “gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner” (United Nations). This intentional and patterned conduct occurs far more often than people might assume. Statistically, In the United States, every minute, at least 20 people are physically abused. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). More specifically, women of color, Black and Indigenous women, are disproportionately at risk (Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence). Contrary to what is portrayed in the media or societally established, domestic violence is widespread and pervasive, with issues tied to systems far deeper than recognized on the surface. A common misconception is that abuse is just limited to physical violence. However, abusive behavior includes but, not limited to financial/economic abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and sexual abuse. There is no singular experience of harm or abuse under the umbrella of domestic violence.
While methods surrounding the enactment of different kinds of abuse may vary, victims’ psychological and physical effects remain constant. Domestic Violence often serves as a severe hindrance to the proceedings of typical livelihoods and interactions and consistent emotional and physical wellbeing (Good Therapy 2014). This is exemplified by a range of 21-60% of victims being unable to work due to matters directly correlated with abuse faced (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
Perpetrators of violence possessing weapons, particularly guns, only serve to escalate already dangerous situations into far more complex and potentially harmful ones. The risk of a domestic violence situation resulting in homicide increases by 500 percent when a gun of some sort is introduced (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). In accordance with this, almost one-fifth of domestic violence situations involve a weapon of some sort (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Additionally, domestic violence involving a gun disproportionately affects American women due to the ease of access to firearms and other weapons in this country compared to many others (Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence). Guns are also frequently used by abusers to establish fear and dominance. As such, the involvement of weaponry on the part of abusers only leads to the creation of increased manipulation and psychological harm (Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence).
There are often many warning signs surrounding instances of domestic violence. While friends and family might not always be privy due to isolation tactics frequently employed by perpetrators of harm, first responders often have encounters with victims suffering from domestic violence. One study outlined that in the period leading up to a homicide related to domestic violence, police had contact with victims 91 percent of the time in studied cases, specifically visiting victims “an average of 5.6 times” (Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence). This is cause for deep reflection about the state of policing and whether it’s capable of doing the job societally associated with it - preventing harm from occurring. In accordance with this, an increased investment in communal networks of care and social programs is pivotal. Ensuring that victims leaving domestic violence situations have the support systems and resources necessary to feel secure, safe, and comfortable enough to leave should be a central priority. There is much work to do in creating a world free from this harm and abuse, and we cannot and should not stop until we have achieved it all.
CITATIONS
“Domestic Violence and Firearms.” The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, 28 Oct. 2020, efsgv.org/learn/type-of-gun-violence/domestic-violence-and-firearms/.
“NCADV: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.” The Nation's Leading Grassroots Voice on Domestic Violence, ncadv.org/STATISTICS.
“The Psychological Wounds of Domestic Violence - GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog.” Google, Google, www.google.com/amp/s/www.goodtherapy.org/blog/the-psychological-wounds-of-domestic-violence/amp/.
“Types of Domestic Violence |.” |, 13 Feb. 2019, www.acesdv.org/domestic-violence-graphics/types-of-abuse/.
“What Is Domestic Abuse?” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/en/coronavirus/what-is-domestic-abuse.
