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EspañolI do not have a protection order against the abuser, and s/he has not been convicted of any crimes, is there anything I can do?
In Washington, even if you don’t have a protection order that prohibits the abuser from having a gun and the abuser has not been convicted of any crime, the following people cannot possess or buy a gun:
- someone who has been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment without having the right to possess a firearm restored;
- someone who has been found incompetent to stand trial and the judge has stated that s/he has a history of violent acts;
- a person under 18 years of age who does not qualify for an exception; or
- someone pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a “serious offense.”1
If none of these situations apply, you can still make a plan for your safety. See our Safety Planning page for more information. You can also contact your local domestic violence organization for additional help. You may want to talk to them about whether leaving the area - either long term or for a little while - might help improve your safety. See our WA Advocates and Shelters page to find a local domestic violence organization near you.
For additional information on gun laws in Washington, you can go to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence website.
1 R.C.W. § 9.41.040(2)(a)(iii) - (vi)
I've read through all of this information and I am still confused. What can I do?
Trying to understand both federal and state law can be confusing. There are people who can help you better understand the law and your rights under the law.
- You can contact the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit to get more information about the federal firearm law and how it applies to you: 1-800-903-0111 x 2.
- You can contact us by writing to our Email Hotline.
- You can contact a local domestic violence organization in your area.
