Some individuals in crisis and at risk of harming themselves or others may not be prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition because:
- They haven’t been convicted of a prohibitory crime;
- They aren’t subject to a domestic violence restraining order; or
- They don’t meet the criteria for an involuntary hospitalization civil commitment for mental health treatment (5150), or, if they do, family members are hesitant to commit their loved ones.
A GVRO offers family members, household members, law enforcement certain teachers, school employees, co-workers, and employers a judicial pathway for temporarily removing firearms and prohibiting future gun purchases. While a GVRO is in effect, an individual in crisis can safely access help and care that could stop a violent situation from occurring.