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A new report focuses on domestic violence and guns in Central Indiana. The Reducing the Number of Intimate Partner Homicides analysis gives recommendations on how to address the surging number of homicides.
Over the past year there’s been a 100 percent increase in domestic violence deaths. The new report compiled by the Domestic Violence Network examines gaps in existing firearm laws.
DVN Executive Director Kelly McBride said there are federal and state laws that call for the removal of firearms when someone’s at risk.
“But you have to ask for that and a lot of people don’t know that,” McBride said. She said a majority of people coming to court don’t have legal representation.
The report finds flaws in surrender policies based on the honor system. A majority of guns used in domestic violence homicides in Central Indiana were illegally obtained.
McBride said the findings also point to the need for transformative justice that is trauma informed to break the cycle of violence.
“And the fact that hurt people hurt people,” McBride said.
Guns were used in 73 percent of domestic violence deaths in 2020, up 10 percent from previous years.
Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.
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