Gun violence is a pressing issue in the United States. The root causes and how to reduce it are hot political topics. However, gender-based violence is often left out of these conversations. Many people think of issues around firearms, intimate partner and domestic violence, and sexual harm as separate but there are many tight links between them.  

The relationship between gun violence and gender-based violence is layered and built upon the same social norms, power dynamics, and beliefs. Exploring the overlaps, causes, and ways each of these types of violence reinforces the other can help us better understand them and how to end them. 

Gun Violence and Gender-Based Violence Overlap 

Americans have become used to hearing about gun violence on a regular basis. So much so that we may scroll past shooting headlines without reading about the circumstances. Looking at the data, it becomes clear that gender-based violence often plays a role. On average, 70 women are shot and killed each month in the United States by an intimate partner. The scope of the problem is staggering. Nearly 1 million women alive today report being shot at or by intimate partners. Another 4.5 million have been threatened with a gun by an intimate partner. 

The issue stretches beyond interpersonal violence. In nearly half of mass shootings, the perpetrator shot a current or former intimate partner or family member. This fact is often lost in the flurry of reporting and rarely gets attention.  

Guns in the Hands of Abusers 

In our culture, guns are often associated with the same harmful ideas about masculinity that foster gender-based violence. They are seen as a means of asserting dominance and control—something abusers seek. Perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual harm, and stalking are known to use firearms as a tool to intimidate, threaten, coerce, and physically harm their victims.  

Unsurprisingly, firearms can make gender-based violence situations worse and more deadly. A firearm in a home increases the risk of homicide for women in abusive relationships fivefold. Even when an abuser does not currently have a gun, the ability to access firearms easily can increase the fear and vulnerability felt by victims, influence their behavior, and lead to more severe outcomes. 

Setting Up the Targets 

Social structures around gender like unequal power, patriarchal norms, and attitudes that minimize and even condone gender-based violence are especially deadly when mixed with easily attainable guns, lax regulations, and flimsy or non-existent ownership screenings. These factors create an environment where guns become a weapon of choice to perpetrate violence, especially in cases where gender roles are rigidly enforced and where having firearms is seen as a symbol of power and dominance.  

Gun violence and intimate partner violence can impact anyone, and both have wide ripple effects. Yet social inequity sets up specific groups to be the biggest targets. Overlapping harms fall heavily on Indigenous American, Black, and Latina women. They are victimized by intimate partner firearm homicide at the highest rates, along with pregnant and postpartum people, and the LGBTQ+ community—especially transgender people. 

Some argue that survivors should arm themselves for self-defense. This ignores the dynamics of gender-based violence. Many say they could never shoot their abuser and fear that owning a gun only puts them at greater risk for harm. It’s another weapon that can be used against them. Our justice system also has a history of imprisoning survivors who fire at their abusers. 

Advancing Anti-Violence 

Breaking the cycle of gun violence and gender-based violence is possible. It starts with recognizing the links between them and working to change the cultural norms and beliefs that uphold these behaviors. Educating communities, promoting healthy masculinity, and fostering respectful relationships are key to stopping both forms of violence. By engaging men and boys in efforts to end violence against women and addressing the underlying gender inequalities, we can build a more equitable and peaceful world. 

These prevention efforts must be coupled with policy changes that decrease easy access to guns. An Illinois bill that would improve firearm remedies for survivors in orders of protection is a prime example. Keeping firearms from people with a history of domestic violence, and using thorough background checks and waiting periods, would be big steps toward reducing gender-based gun threats, injuries, and deaths. We need to make sure existing laws related to domestic violence and firearms are used and consistently applied to help protect victims, too. These efforts are especially critical now because there is a push to weaken the meager current protections.  

To fully address these issues, support services for survivors of gender-based violence need to be accessible and funded. This includes access to shelters, legal aid, counseling, and economic empowerment. All of which can contribute to their safety and well-being. 

Taking Action 

The overlap between gun violence and gender-based violence needs our attention and action. Knowing the links between these issues empowers us to create strategies that get to the root causes and support survivors. By breaking down harmful social norms, pushing for life-saving gun control policies, and championing gender equality, we can work towards a future free from gun violence and gender-based violence. 

Stay updated on how you can advocate for change by signing up for alerts from: 

• The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence 
• Everytown for Gun Safety 
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

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CAASE published this piece on July 2, 2023. It was authored by CAASE Communications Manager Hayley Forrestal. Learn more about our staff here.