Director Rosemarie Hidalgo recently delivered remarks at the Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) webinar titled "Understanding U.S. v. Rahimi: Practical Considerations." In her address, Hidalgo emphasized the importance of addressing the intersections between domestic violence and firearms to enhance safety and support for survivors and communities.
Hidalgo expressed gratitude towards BWJP for their efforts and acknowledged the role of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in funding the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms. She also thanked those attending the webinar for their dedication to preventing firearms-related domestic violence.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women at the Justice Department," Hidalgo stated, highlighting OVW's role in implementing key parts of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Enacted in 1994, VAWA promotes a coordinated community response involving various agencies and community partners to address survivors' needs comprehensively.
Hidalgo noted that millions in the United States are victims of domestic violence, with firearms significantly increasing lethality risks. She cited research indicating that over half of women murdered in the U.S. are killed by current or former intimate partners, with firearms making such incidents five times more likely to result in homicide.
"Effective intervention and support can mean the difference between life and death for victims of intimate partner violence," Hidalgo asserted, stressing the importance of a coordinated community response.
She praised Congress's establishment of federal protections nearly 30 years ago, including firearms prohibitions for individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders. The Supreme Court's decision in U.S. v. Rahimi upheld these protections, affirming Congress's authority to disarm individuals posing serious risks.
Despite this legal victory, Hidalgo emphasized ongoing efforts to improve implementation. OVW funds 12 sites through its Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP) to help communities develop policies reducing domestic violence homicides involving firearms. These sites implement innovative strategies such as updating court forms for firearm relinquishment and improving training for law enforcement.
Hidalgo highlighted her visits to FTAP sites in Denver and Birmingham, Alabama, where she observed firsthand how community collaboration strengthens implementation efforts. She also mentioned OVW's initiatives to raise awareness about grant funding supporting local projects addressing firearms-related domestic violence.
Additionally, OVW collaborates with key Justice Department components like ATF and FBI/National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to conduct stakeholder trainings focused on federal firearm laws related to domestic violence restraining orders and misdemeanor convictions.
In May 2024, the Justice Department issued a new Misdemeanor Crimes Domestic Violence Reference Card detailing provisions from recent legislation aimed at closing loopholes allowing offenders access to firearms.
As VAWA approaches its 30th anniversary this September, Hidalgo called for reflection on progress made and future steps needed. "Together, we can build a world where firearms-related domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence are not tolerated," she concluded.