State Gun Laws

When an abuser has a gun, it makes it more likely that they could hurt or kill someone.¹ So, it’s important to think about your safety.

Sometimes, the abuser might legally have a gun, or they might find ways to get one illegally. If you think the abuser has a gun when they are not supposed to, you might consider reporting it to law enforcement. To learn more about this option, go to Who do I notify if I think the abuser should not have a gun?

Also, if the abuser is a law enforcement officer, in the military, or works for the government, they may have a gun for their job. To understand how the federal gun laws work in these cases, read The abuser uses a gun for his/her job. Does the law still apply? If you’re in this situation, you may face special risks. To learn more about the risks and ways to be safe, read When the Abuser is in Law Enforcement.

No matter what, you may want to think about how to keep yourself as safe as possible. Sometimes this might include filing for a protective order. We have ideas and tips on our Safety Planning pages, and a domestic violence advocate may help you make a personal safety plan. You can go to our Maryland Advocates and Shelters page to find advocates near you or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help 24/7.

¹ See Everytown for Gun Safety’s report on Guns and Violence Against Women