Taking guns from batterers - Public support and policy implications

Author: Sorenson, Susan B.
Publication: Evaluation Review
Link to Published Abstract
Topics: Domestic Violence Gun Carrying Public Opinion State
Keywords: Batterers California Gun removal SURVEYS
Bibliographic information +

A statewide sample of 522 adult residents in California was surveyed to examine public sentiment about the removal of firearms in the absence of a restraining order or misdemeanor conviction following domestic violence. In more than 3,500 vignettes described to survey participants, the abusive behavior was judged to be wrong, illegal, or should be illegal (98.7%, 73.1%, and 77.7%, respectively). Although only 56.5% of the scenarios were thought to merit the issuance of a restraining order, 77.4% were thought to merit the removal of firearms. Men were the sole population group with significantly lower support for firearm removal following domestic violence.