Introduction
Over 2.3 million Michigan residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, Michigan reported 825 domestic violence murders and non-negligent manslaughters from 2010 to 2019. Although Michigan doesn’t report the mechanism of death, evidence suggests firearms are a significant contributing factor. An abuser’s access to firearms can determine a victim’s chances of survival; domestic violence firearm prohibitions and removal laws save lives.
Michigan does not prohibit purchase or possession of firearms or ammunition by persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. A court issuing an ex parte or final domestic violence personal protection order may prohibit purchase and possession of firearms by the subject of the order. Michigan does not require removal of firearms from persons subject to any personal protection orders.
