Introduction
Over 360,000 New Hampshire residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, New Hampshire reported 80 domestic violence homicides from 2010 to 2019. Of the 21 domestic violence homicides committed between 2018 and 2019, 48% (n=10) 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.
New Hampshire does not prohibit purchase or possession of firearms or ammunition by persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. New Hampshire prohibits purchase and possession of firearms and ammunition by persons subject to final domestic violence protective orders. A court issuing a temporary domestic violence protective order may prohibit the subject of the order from purchasing or possessing firearms and ammunition. A judge issuing a final domestic violence protective order shall require removal of firearms. A judge issuing a temporary domestic violence protective order may require removal of firearms and ammunition.
