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 is not supposed to, 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 as a law enforcement officer, in the military, or for the government, s/he may have a gun for his/her job. To understand how the federal gun laws work in these cases, 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, read When the Abuser is in Law Enforcement.
No matter what, you may want to think about safety planning to keep yourself as safe as possible. Sometimes this might include filing for a restraining order. We have some tips on our Safety Planning pages and you can contact an advocate at your local domestic violence organization who may be able to help you design a personalized plan. See our Idaho 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
