Introduction
Over 1.2 million Alabama residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, Alabama reported 307 domestic violence homicides from 2009 to 2018. In 2018 alone, Alabama reported 28 domestic violence homicides, 64% of which were committed with firearms. An abuser’s access to firearms can determine a victim’s chances of survival; domestic violence firearm prohibitions and removal laws save lives.
Alabama prohibits purchase and possession of firearms by persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence and persons subject to final protection orders for domestic abuse. Alabama does not require removal of firearms from persons subject to protection orders for domestic abuse, though a judge issuing an ex parte protection order or protection order after notice and hearing may order other relief they deem necessary to provide for the safety and welfare of the plaintiff or any children and any person designated by the court.
