WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: California

State Gun Laws

Updated: 
January 11, 2024

I am a victim of domestic violence and the abuser has a gun. Is that legal?

If you have a protective order (DVRO) against the abuser, California law says that s/he cannot have or buy a gun.  See I have a DVRO against the abuser. Can s/he keep a gun or buy a new gun? for more information.

Also, federal laws, which apply to all states, restrict a person’s right to have a gun under certain circumstances such as when the abuser has been convicted of certain domestic violence-related crimes or if you have an order of protection against the abuser that meets certain requirements.  Go to Federal Gun Laws to get more information.

Legal Information

© 2008–2024 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.