Introduction
Over 6.8 million Texas residents experience intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. Fortunately, many victims survive these traumatic events; however, Texas reported 150 intimate partner femicides in 2019, 63% 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.
Texas prohibits possession of firearms by persons convicted of domestic violence misdemeanor assault for five years following release from confinement or community supervision, whichever is later. Texas prohibits possession of firearms by persons subject to domestic violence protective orders. Texas does not require removal of firearms and ammunition from persons subject to domestic violence protective orders.
