Firearms and domestic violence – Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

Guns in homes where domestic violence is happening can be a deadly combination for survivors, their children, family members, police and the person being abusive (suicide risks).

• If guns are in your home and you do not feel safe, you can ask the police to temporarily remove the guns for safety.
• In most domestic violence cases (civil and criminal), there will be an order that prohibits the offender from owning, possessing, or purchasing guns and that requires them to be turned into law enforcement. Additional crimes may be charged if these orders are not followed.
• In situations where guns were removed by or given to the police, you can request that the police tell you when the guns are going to be returned. Police will hold the guns for 72 hours from the time of notification. You will need to provide a case or incident number to the police (RCW 9.41.340-.345).
• If you seek a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), you must register your order in order to receive notification if the restrained person asks for the return of their guns or attempts to purchase one from a federal firearm licensed dealer.

Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit

The mission of the Regional Domestic Violence Firearms Enforcement Unit is to reduce gun violence and increase victim and community safety through regional collaboration and enforcement of gun laws. You can also learn more by emailing seakingfirearms@kingcounty.gov.

Lock It Up

Lock It Up promotes gun safety by increasing safe gun storage. Brochures are available in multiple languages.