We must protect domestic violence victims with tighter gun safety through Karina’s Law

A memorial for Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter, Daniela, of Little Village. They were shot and killed in July by Karina’s husband, two weeks after Karina had received an order of protection from the courts that should have led to the removal of the handgun her husband owned. (Owen Ziliak/Sun-Times)

Leaving an abusive partner is the most dangerous time for a survivor of domestic violence. Leaving when a gun is in the home can be fatal.

Many survivors seek protection from the courts as part of their safety plan, most often in the form of a civil order of protection. Judges evaluating and granting civil orders of protection may also include the removal of a firearm from an abusive person, a critical step in safeguarding survivors.