Date of Award

5-2024

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Lim, Caroline

Abstract

Background: Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) is a type of restraining order that prevents individuals, who pose a significant risk to themselves or others from having, owning, and buying firearms, firearms parts, ammunition, or magazines. This gun law was enacted in January 2016, in response to the many mass shootings that had occurred prior to this legislation. Objective: This study systematically reviewed published articles to examine the effectiveness of GVRO. Methods: We used the following databases to identify articles: OneSearch, Google Scholar, and Google. The search terms used included “gun violence restraining orders” and its abbreviation “GVRO,” combined with other terms, such as “effectiveness,” “effects,” “results,” and “evidence.” Given the recency of this law, we searched for articles published between 2016 and 2023. Findings Three articles were identified. These articles evaluated the impact of GVRO on reducing firearm violence, perceived safety among women with restraining orders against their partners, and suicide among the elderly. Overall, GVRO was found to be effective in reducing violence and enhancing safety. Conclusion: Social workers supporting populations vulnerable to gun violence should be offered information on how to incorporate GVRO into their support services.

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