BROOKLYN, New York. The Washington Post reports that if you look at the major instances of mass shootings that have taken place in America over the years, most of the shooters have some history of domestic violence. For example, after 26 people were shot in a mass shooting in Texas, it was later learned that the Air Force had not informed law enforcement about the subject’s domestic violence history. In fact, according to WTOP, the man should not have been permitted to own a gun, given his past domestic violence history. The military may be underreporting instances of domestic violence, creating loopholes for people who should not be able to own guns.
Reports indicate that many instances of mass shootings can be linked to an act of domestic violence. Either the person’s partner is a target and others are shot in the process, or the shooter uses killings to intimidate his partner.
There are other significant loopholes that make it possible for domestic abusers to own guns. For example, the Lautenberg Amendment is known as the “boyfriend loophole.” While the law prohibits former husbands, fathers, or men who lived with women they abused from owning a gun, the law doesn’t apply to boyfriends who did not cohabitate with a girlfriend.
Men who are found guilty of domestic violence can also still purchase guns at gun shows. And, if the man already owns guns, the law isn’t permitted to take those guns away.
Not all men who commit domestic violence go on to become mass shooters, but when we see mass shooters in the news, some also have domestic violence histories. USA Today reports that, each year, there are, on average, 10 million instances of domestic violence.
It isn’t clear why some men go on to commit these unspeakable acts of violence, but some experts have noted that access to deadly weapons, like guns, make these men more likely to commit these acts.
Domestic violence is a serious indicator that a spouse and children may be at risk. Often, domestic violence begins as a smaller act and escalates over time. If you are in a situation where domestic violence is taking place, it is important to have a plan in place and to seek your own safety, as well as your children’s safety. The Elliot Green Law Offices are Brooklyn, New York domestic violence lawyers who may be able to help you seek a restraining order or assist you if you are planning to get divorced from a person who has been violent in the past.
Leaving a relationship where violence has taken place is often the time when individuals are most at risk and most in danger. A breakup can be a trigger for violent acts. If you are considering getting divorced or leaving a person who has committed acts of domestic violence, it is important to seek help. There are a range of community resources available to those seeking to escape the cycle of violence. You can call 311 and ask for the domestic violence hotline or call 1-800-621-HOPE directly in New York.
You can also visit the Elliot Green Law Offices website to learn more about your options for restraining orders in Brooklyn, New York.
