Survivor Justice Center Applauds Supreme Court Ruling in USA vs Rahimi

Dear Supporters,

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States delivered a pivotal ruling in the case of USA vs. Rahimi, upholding the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8). This statute prohibits individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms, a crucial measure in protecting survivors.

We wholeheartedly commend the Court for its decision, which underscores the importance of prioritizing the safety and protection of domestic violence survivors nationwide. This ruling reaffirms the necessity of firearm restrictions for individuals who pose significant threats to their intimate partners. Restraining orders play a vital role in safeguarding victims, and the prohibition on firearm possession by abusers under these orders is a fundamental component of these protections.

• Two-thirds of women killed by an intimate partner are killed with a gun.*
• Access to a gun makes it 5x more likely that a woman will die at the hands of a domestic abuser.*
• Every month, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner.*

In 2023, we partnered with the Texas Advocacy Project and a coalition* of dedicated non-profit organizations nationwide to file an amicus brief in the case of USA vs. Rahimi. Our brief, submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, advocated for the safety and protection of domestic violence survivors through stringent firearm regulations. It addressed the Fifth Circuit’s ruling and emphasized the critical need to prevent individuals who have committed or threatened family violence from accessing firearms while under a protective order.

Last year, I also had the opportunity to interview with CNN to talk about the importance of this case, impacting millions of survivors who fear for their safety and the safety of their children. Survivors like our client, who shared in the interview the fear she experienced when her abuser threatened her with his guns.

Today’s Supreme Court decision is a monumental step forward in our ongoing fight to protect survivors of domestic violence. This ruling not only strengthens the legal protections for survivors, but also affirms our collective commitment to safeguarding the lives of those at risk.

Thank you to our partners across the nation and at the Texas Advocacy Project for coming together to advocate for survivors. I am especially grateful to you, our supporters, for helping to make a difference for survivors’ well-being and safety. Thanks to your support, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for policies that protect the vulnerable and prioritize the safety and dignity of survivors.

In solidarity,

Carmen McDonald, Esq.
Executive Director