The connection between weapons and domestic violence
by Edith Zeisloft
Often when the subject of home security comes up, the suggestion of purchasing a gun is made. The connection between safety and a firearm is a prevailing one in our culture because of the belief that the mightier force wins in a fight. Firearms are, for better or worse, a large part of culture in America and are still accepted as a natural piece of the home security puzzle. But what happens when the threat isn’t an intruder but an intimate partner?
According to the Texas Council on Family Violence’s recent report, 146 women were killed by a male intimate partner in Texas in 2016 and of those, 68 percent of perpetrators used a firearm to murder their female partner. That risk increases five-fold when a firearm is present in the household. Firearms can also be used in non-fatal ways to intimidate a victim in order to prevent them from leaving the relationship.
According to the Texas Council on Family Violence’s recent report, 146 women were killed by a male intimate partner in Texas in 2016 and of those, 68 percent of perpetrators used a firearm to murder their female partner.
Hays Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) counselors working directly with family violence victims find that the threat of a firearm being used against the victim, their family or even the threat of the abuser committing suicide are effective means of intimidating a victim. The looming threat of a firearm in the household, particularly when it’s been used in an intimidating manner, adds to the overwhelming pressure that victims feel to keep the abuse they experience a secret.
Counselors often hear from victims about direct threats to them, their pets or their children. Indirect threats insinuating violence are also common.
Children who live in these homes also tell their counselors that they live in fear of those same weapons being used against them.
HCWC’s guiding principle when working with clients is to trust their judgement on what actions to take. Counselors understand that domestic violence is a complex issue with many moving parts and that the “right” answer is not always immediately apparent. When a firearm is present in the household, the tools to help clients avoid danger are limited and occasionally lead to escalation.
As with most problems, there is no clear answer for how to handle the intersection of firearms and domestic violence. This past summer, Governor Greg Abbot held a three-day forum to discuss general gun safety and explore options that would reduce the risks. Many options were discussed at that time and, as the Texas legislative session approaches, it will be interesting to see what ideas make it to a vote and actually pass.
This article is part four of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. Edith Zeisloft is a data coordinator for the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center.
