Communities across the country face a variety of obstacles to removing firearms from individuals who are prohibited from having them due to civil protection orders (CPOs) or criminal convictions for domestic violence. Although the CPO and criminal processes provide many opportunities for professionals to learn about and respond effectively to abusers’ access to firearms using existing laws, some stakeholders display resistance. The NCJFCJ has assembled a range of approaches to overcome others’ resistance so communities can move forward in their efforts to develop strategies to better protect victims and others from firearms violence.
The NCJFCJ, in partnership with the Office on Violence Against Women, is leading a Firearms Pilot Site Initiative (FPSI) that will provide training and technical assistance on a number of strategies and practices that will help communities effectively implement firearms prohibitions. The project is a collaboration with other national TA providers including AEquitas, the Battered Women’s Justice Project, the Center for Court Innovation, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, as well as expert practitioners from around the country.
This webinar will discuss approaches to various obstacles that often confront communities that are trying to work together to implement firearms prohibitions in domestic violence cases. It will also update professionals and communities about the FPSI, which soon will be selecting sites for in-depth technical assistance, training, and other support. The NCJFCJ and its partners will assist selected sites in assessing their implementation efforts and challenges, identifying gaps, and developing partnerships among community stakeholders, including federal partners, to design and implement practices that will enhance victim and community safety. (75 minutes)