Homicide statistics indicate that the most dangerous moments in people’s lives often occur when they are at home or fleeing from a potentially deadly intimate partner. This has likely been true since the beginning of cohabitation among humans and is not solely a result of guns being prevalent in American society. However, a state law that was introduced seven years ago to address domestic violence is focused on guns. Human Options, a nonprofit organization in Irvine that helps domestic violence victims, aims to raise awareness about this type of gun law, known as Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs).
Human Options received a $100,000 grant last year to educate key individuals about GVROs. They have been engaging with police groups, organizing group meetings, and launching a social media campaign to spread awareness about GVROs. California has the highest number of gun laws in the country, and these strict regulations contribute to the state’s low gun death rate compared to the national average. However, GVROs, which experts believe could potentially reduce the most challenging form of gun violence, are not used frequently enough and require more public awareness.
According to Andrew Morral, a behavioral scientist with RAND Corp., around 11% of GVROs are issued against individuals who pose credible threats of mass shootings. It is difficult to measure the effectiveness of GVROs in preventing deaths since it is challenging to determine how many deaths are prevented by a specific law. Nevertheless, the available data suggests that GVROs deserve closer examination.
GVROs have been known to police and judges since their introduction in 2016. However, as they are issued in civil courts and not criminal courts, they have not been used as widely as they could be. Only 27 out of California’s 58 counties have been keeping track of GVROs. Despite this, the law appears to be gaining popularity, with more police departments starting to utilize GVROs. The Irvine Police Department has been instrumental in helping other agencies establish their GVRO programs.
There are different types of GVROs in California, but the basic concept is simple: if a judge receives evidence that an individual with access to guns poses a danger to themselves or others, they can order the person to surrender their firearms and ammunition temporarily. The duration of the order can range from a few weeks to a few years, with the possibility of returning the firearms based on various factors such as the absence of violence during a cooling-off period or the person receiving mental health or substance abuse treatment.
Critics argue that GVROs infringe upon an individual’s constitutional right to bear arms before they have committed any wrongdoing. However, supporters contend that these orders are a necessary tool for community and individual safety. GVROs extend beyond domestic disputes and can also be used in cases of suicide threats or threats against schools, workplaces, or religious institutions, all of which have become more prevalent in recent years.
Over the years, the law has expanded to allow additional reporters, not just police, to file for GVROs. Evidence must still be collected and presented to a judge, who determines whether someone should surrender their weapons. Despite concerns about potential loopholes and the ability to obtain replacement guns, experts believe that GVROs are making a difference in preventing gun violence, although more work needs to be done.