English
EspañolWho do I notify if I think the abuser should not have a gun?
If you believe the abuser broke the law by having a gun, you can report it to the local police. You don’t need to be able to tell the police which law it is, or whether it’s a state or federal law. However, the local police can only arrest someone for breaking a state law. Even though they cannot arrest someone for breaking a federal law, they can refer the case to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) or to the federal prosecutor in your state, the U.S. Attorney. If the abuser broke state and federal laws, they might be prosecuted in both state and federal courts.
If you believe the abuser broke a federal law, you can also contact the ATF directly to report it. Generally:
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Also, a local domestic violence organization may be able to answer your questions and help you talk to the right law enforcement officials. You can find contact information for organizations in your area on our Mississippi Advocates and Shelters page.
Note: Generally, the abuser doesn’t need to know the law to be arrested for breaking it. If the abuser has or buys a gun in violation of the law, they can be arrested.1
1 United States v. Lippman, 369 F. 3d 1039 (8th Cir. 2004); United States v. Henson, 55 F. Supp. 2d 528 (S.D. W.V. 1999)
