Introduction
Over 1.7 million Missouri residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, Missouri reported 433 domestic violence-related homicides from 2012 to 2018. Although Missouri 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.
Missouri 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 orders of protection. Missouri does not require removal of firearms from persons subject to domestic violence orders of protection.
