How to Reduce Violence Against Women Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence in Durham, North Carolina

Research Paper Executive Summary Presentation Slides

Introduction

Victims of gun violence in abusive relationships are disproportionately women, with their abusers predominantly being men. Women are 500% more likely to be shot by an abusive partner if he has a gun. In Durham, North Carolina intimate partner gun violence has left four women dead in 2019. Gun violence is a gender equity issue and it is pertinent to explore solutions to protect women from further gun violence.

- The Durham Sheriff’s Department has a difficult time enforcing firearm removal orders from Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs).

- Individuals in abusive relationships often are unaware of the resources and legal help available to them in Durham.

- There is a lack of focus on preventative measures with current policies and procedures, the current focus is on how to help the victim after the incident has occured.

Policy Reccomendations

Standard Protocol

Implement a standard protocol in the Durham Sheriff’s Department on how to best remove firearms from an abuser that refuses to give up possession of their firearm.

Education on Healthy Relationships

Create a domestic violence prevention module in Durham Public Schools required health courses, to educate youth about what healthy relationships look like.