The United States Supreme Court is currently hearing a highly anticipated gun rights case regarding whether individuals accused of domestic violence should be prohibited from owning firearms. This case has drawn significant attention from victims of domestic violence. The justices are examining a challenge to a federal law that bars Americans who have domestic abuse restraining orders from possessing guns. One survivor, Lea Cretan, who was shot multiple times by her abusive partner, firmly believes that this law could have protected her if a restraining order had been in place.
However, she faced limited assistance from the police when seeking protection. Every year, judges issue numerous domestic violence restraining orders that restrict contact between aggressors and victims, resulting in approximately 77,000 blocked gun purchases through federal background checks.
These laws play a crucial role in preventing domestic violence-related homicides, as firearms are often used in such cases. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court is faced with the task of deciding whether the law infringes upon the Second Amendment, as a lower court has ruled. Critics argue that this law disarms law-abiding citizens, including victims, who may also be subject to mutual restraining orders.
Survivors of domestic violence, like Lea, strongly emphasize the importance of keeping this law intact, as it can mean the difference between life and death. In addition to gun safety and domestic violence prevention advocates, both sides of the gun rights debate are expected to rally at the Supreme Court during the oral arguments..
