192: Gun Violence and the Dating Partner Loophole

When it comes to intimate partner violence, the presence of firearms is deadly. Horrifically, more than one in four homicides in the United States are related to domestic violence. The passing of the bipartisan Safer Communities Act is a massive step forward in addressing gun violence within intimate partner violence, but as guest Rachel Graber (Director of Public Policy, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) broke down for hosts Kelly and JJ, we're not at the finish line yet. This bill partially closes the so-called "dating loophole," in that domestic partners convicted of domestic abuse will no longer be able to purchase firearms, rather than just spouses or former spouses (though there are time limits and other provisions). Rachel explains what the bill does (and doesn't do), what impact recent Supreme Court decisions may have on gun laws, and how to address intimate partner violence better.

Want to get involved?
Urge your senators to expand and strengthen background checks.
Urge senators to confirm a director to lead the ATF, the agency that oversees the gun industry yet has lacked leadership for years.
Join a Brady chapter near you and sign up to attend our new volunteer session.

Mentioned in this podcast:
Reauthorize VAWA (Brady)
NCADV Commends Senate Negotiators for Partially Closing Dating Loophole in Legislative GVP Package (NCADV)
Why Closing the ‘Boyfriend Loophole’ Would Be a Huge Deal (New York Magazine)
SCOTUS Says People Have a Right to Carry Guns in Public (the Trace)