English
EspañolI’m worried the abuser has a gun or is planning to get one. What can I do to protect myself?
When an abuser has a gun, it makes it more likely that s/he could hurt or kill someone.1 So, it’s important to think about your safety.
Sometimes, the abuser might legally have a gun, or s/he might find ways to get one illegally. If you think the abuser has a gun when s/he shouldn’t, you might consider telling law enforcement. To learn more about this option, go to If I think the abuser has a gun illegally, who do I report it to?
Also, if the abuser works for law enforcement, the military, or the government, s/he may still legally be able to use a gun for his/her job. To understand how the federal gun laws work in these situations, 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, go to our When the Abuser is in Law Enforcement section.
Even if you are not sure if the abuser can access a gun, you may want to think about safety planning to keep yourself as safe as possible. Sometimes this might include filing for a restraining order. Sometimes a safety plan might include leaving the area or going someplace the abuser doesn’t know, like a domestic violence shelter. We have tips on our Safety Planning pages, and you can contact an advocate at your local domestic violence organization who might help you create a personalized plan. See our Rhode Island Advocates and Shelters page to find domestic violence organizations near you.
1 See Everytown for Gun Safety’s report on Guns and Violence Against Women
