Introduction
Over 2.1 million New Jersey residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, New Jersey reported 428 domestic violence homicide offenses from 2010 to 2019. Although New Jersey 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.
New Jersey prohibits purchase and possession of firearms by persons convicted of a crime involving domestic violence or a disorderly persons offense involving domestic violence and persons subject to final domestic violence restraining orders. A judge issuing an ex parte domestic violence restraining order may prohibit the subject of the order from possessing a firearm. If the judge so orders, the subject of the ex parte domestic violence restraining order is also prohibited from purchasing a firearm. New Jersey requires removal of firearms from persons subject to final domestic violence restraining orders. A judge issuing an ex parte domestic violence restraining order may order removal of firearms.
