Introduction
Over 1.3 million Kentucky residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, Kentucky reported 32 intimate partner related homicides in 2010, nearly 60% of whom died by firearms. An abuser’s access to firearms can determine a victim’s chances of survival; domestic violence firearm prohibitions and removal laws save lives.
Kentucky does not prohibit purchase or possession of firearms or ammunition by persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or persons subject to domestic violence protective orders. Kentucky does not require removal of firearms or ammunition from persons subject to emergency or final domestic violence protective orders; however, a court issuing such an order may direct or prohibit any other actions that the court believes will be of assistance in eliminating future acts of domestic violence and abuse.
