Table of ContentsIntroductionUnderstanding Domestic ViolenceLinking Gun Control Policies to Domestic ViolenceProhibitory Orders and Gun Control PoliciesHarm Protection Orders (ERPO) and domestic violenceEducation and safe storageConclusionIntroductionGun control policies have become a hotly debated topic in recent years. While supporters argue that stricter regulations can help reduce gun violence, opponents often argue that such measures infringe on their Second Amendment rights. However, one aspect often overlooked in these discussions is the relationship between gun control policies and domestic violence. This essay aims to examine the implications of gun control policies on domestic violence, exploring how these policies can help protect individuals from violent partners and reduce the frequency of fatal incidents. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Understanding Domestic Violence Before delving into the implications of gun control policies, it is essential to have a clear understanding of domestic violence. Domestic violence refers to any form of physical, emotional or sexual violence that occurs in a domestic setting, usually involving intimate partners or family members. It is a pervasive problem that affects individuals of all genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and races. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically assaulted by an intimate partner in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to combat this problem. Linking Gun Control Policies to Domestic Violence Research consistently demonstrates a strong correlation between access to guns and deaths from domestic violence. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that in households with guns, the risk of intimate partner femicide (the killing of a woman by her intimate partner) is five times higher than in households without weapons. Another study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that women in the United States are 11 times more likely to be killed by firearms than women in other high-income countries. These findings highlight the importance of implementing gun control policies to effectively combat domestic violence. Prohibition Orders and Gun Control Policies One way gun control policies can help reduce domestic violence is by closing the “boyfriend loophole” and improving the effectiveness of orders prohibition. Currently, federal law prohibits people convicted of domestic violence from purchasing firearms, but this restriction does not extend to dating partners or people who have received a restraining order. Enacting stricter regulations, such as expanding the definition of "intimate partner" to include dating partners and applying gun restrictions to people subject to a temporary restraining order , survivors of domestic violence can be better protected from potential harm. Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) have gained traction in recent.