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Gun Violence Awareness Month: Know Your Gun Relinquishment Rights

June 1 -
June 30, 2026

This Gun Violence Awareness Month, join Volunteer Legal Advocates in our campaign for gun relinquishment.

KNOW THE LAW

When a temporary civil protection order is issued, the abuser is required to give up any guns in their possession within 24 hours. As part of a final civil protection order, the court can order an abuser to turn in their guns until the final order expires.

SPREAD THE WORD

Domestic violence and guns are a lethal combination. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and the abuser has access to guns, there are options.

ASSERT YOUR RIGHTS

As part of a civil protection order case, the court can order your abuser to submit proof that they have turned in their guns, but this is not automatic. You have the right to ask the court to order proof and to follow up until it happens.

Download our flyer to help spread the word

Guns & Domestic Violence Are A Deadly Combination.

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A gun in the home raises the risk of homicide for women by 500%.

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of last year's homicides in DC were related to domestic violence.

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American women are shot to death by intimate partners every year.

Join us in taking action and campaigning for more effective gun relinquishment in Washington, DC.

 

If you’re facing domestic abuse or a complicated legal situation impacting your family, you don’t have to do it alone. Our trained attorneys and advocates are ready to help— confidentially and free of charge. We offer legal support and advocacy services for survivors and caregivers of at-risk children in Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD.

Visit our Get Help page to learn more.

 

If you are an attorney representing a survivor client who is concerned about their abuser’s access to firearms, the following resources may be of assistance:

To learn more about our efforts to improve the implementation and enforcement of existing gun surrender laws in the District, see the Recommendations of the Gun Relinquishment Working Group.

Educate yourself and spread the word! Join Volunteer Legal Advocates and our partners at events throughout the month to increase awareness about the intersection of gun violence and domestic violence and to highlight the tools available in the District to ensure survivor safety.

To learn more about our efforts to improve the implementation and enforcement of existing gun surrender laws in the District, see the Recommendations of the Gun Relinquishment Working Group.

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