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The U.S. Department of Justice selected Indianapolis as one of 78 communities that will participate in a nationwide initiative to reduce domestic gun violence under the Violence Against Women Act.
Through the initiative, the DOJ will work with the U.S. Attorney’s office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Field Division to design and execute a plan to reduce intimate partner gun violence under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022, according to a news release.
As part of the initiative, jurisdictions will work to prioritize the prosecution of domestic violence offenders who violate federal firearms laws, such as unlawful possession of firearms and possession of prohibited weapons, including Glock switches.
Indianapolis was selected due to its close coordination with community stakeholders and based on data that reflected a greater need for resources related to domestic gun violence.
The DOJ anticipates more jurisdictions to join the efforts.
“As we approach Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, it is imperative that we continue to work hand in hand with our community and law enforcement partners to halt intimate partner violence,” said Zachary Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, in a released statement. “We know that violent, illegally armed abusers pose a profound danger to those closest to them, police, and the entire community. I am grateful to the Department of Justice for recognizing our efforts. This designation will help further our commitment to saving lives by disarming domestic abusers and removing them from our communities.”
The Southern District office partners with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and ATF through the Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence initiative, which focuses law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
“IMPD remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all relationships are free from violence, as every member of our community deserves to live in safety and without fear,” said Chief Chris Bailey. “We are grateful to the Department of Justice for recognizing our efforts with this important designation and are thankful for our partnerships with other state and federal agencies. Together, we are working to ensure that domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms are identified, prosecuted, and brought to justice,” he added.
Earlier this month, the department of justice commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. The act was the first comprehensive federal law for addressing domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.
As Congress reauthorized the act, it expanded grant funding streams in the years 2000, 2005, 2013, and 2022.
On Sept. 12, the department announced more than $690 million in grant funding to commemorate the act’s anniversary.
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