Introduction
Over 1.4 million Georgia residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, Georgia reported 1,381 domestic violence related deaths from 2011 to 2020. Of the 136 domestic violence related deaths in 2020, 74% were committed by firearm. An abuser’s access to firearms can determine a victim’s chances of survival; domestic violence firearm prohibitions and removal laws save lives.
Georgia does not prohibit purchase or possession of firearms or ammunition by persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or persons subject to any family violence order. Georgia does not require removal of firearms or ammunition from persons subject to family violence orders; however, a court issuing an ex parte order may order any temporary relief it deems necessary to protect the petitioner or minor of the household from violence.
