The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Mass Shootings

Firearms are a hot-button topic, for many different reasons, but this article is not here to debate those reasons. The purpose of this article is to discuss the intersection of domestic violence and mass shootings and why it is vital we keep firearms out of the hands of abusers. Earlier this summer, we saw the Supreme Court of the United States deliver a victory to domestic violence survivors when they upheld the federal law barring individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing firearms. We know that keeping guns out of the hands of abusers keeps victims and our community safer.

Research has proven there is a link between domestic violence and mass shootings (defined as four or more people injured or killed). We know that when an abuser has access to a firearm a woman is five times more likely to be killed and we also know that in 46% of mass shootings, the perpetrator also shot and killed an intimate partner or family member. While not every domestic violence relationship will escalate to a mass shooting, it is important to understand how it could happen.

The most dangerous time for a victim is when they leave their abuser. Domestic violence is rooted in power and control, so when a victim makes the incredibly brave decision to leave, an abuser sees their ability to control diminish. For example, if a victim leaves the home and enters an emergency shelter, the abuser no longer knows where the victim is, what they are doing, or who they may be with. It is also likely that during this time a victim may file for an order of protection, file a police report, or maybe even a divorce. These are various remedies that could hold an abuser accountable, which may escalate an abuser’s behavior and risk of danger to the victim. If an abuser does not have physical access to a victim, they may turn to stalking. Ways that an abuser might stalk a victim include showing up at their workplace or school, unwanted and excessive phone calls, text messages or emails, using spyware or GPS tracking devices; anything that could be a means to monitor, control, or induce fear.

Again, domestic violence is about power and control, and once a victim leaves and an abuser’s ability to control diminishes, previous threats of violence may become real and the abuser may be of the mindset, “if I can’t have you, no one can.” The most dangerous time for a victim is when they leave their abuser.

In 2023, in Enoch, Utah, a man killed his wife, mother-in-law, and five children in the family home just weeks after his wife had filed for divorce. He had been accused of abusing one of his daughters and had a history of abusing his wife.

In 2022, in Aurora, Colorado, a man killed three family members and an acquaintance of his ex-girlfriend one week after he showed up to her workplace, threatened her with a gun and forced her into his car. He had been arrested for a prior incident of domestic violence and was subject to a protection order. The man’s ex-girlfriend survived the shooting, although “he told her he was going to kill her too, but he ran out of bullets.”

These shootings highlight that it’s not just domestic violence victims who are at risk of being harmed or killed, family members and friends are at risk, too, as well as the greater community.

The deadliest mass shooting in Texas history at a church in Sutherland Springs

On November 2017, Devin Kelley approached First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs as Sunday service was underway. Kelley first opened fire outside the church, then stepped inside where he

continued his attack, killing 26 people and injuring 20 more. Ultimately, Kelley took his own life. Kelley served in the U.S. Air Force from 2010 – 2014, during which time he had been court-martialed for assaulting his spouse and child. He was eventually sentenced to one year’s confinement. Because Kelley’s conviction was for domestic violence, he was banned from possessing firearms under federal law. However, what the Air Force failed six times to submit records to the FBI that would have barred Kelley from purchasing the guns he used in the massacre (WAPO). Law enforcement believes Kelley was targeting his in-laws, who attended the church, after discovering text messages sent by Kelley to the family the morning of the attack.

Prior to this attack, Kelley had threatened his wife, Tessa, with a gun. On one occasion, Tessa watched her husband put a single bullet in a .38 –caliber revolver and pull the trigger three times before he pointed the gun at her. A month later, he pulled a gun on Tessa Kelley again while the couple was driving in a car to the airport. He placed the gun to her temple and then put the muzzle in his own mouth.

University of Texas Tower shooting

On August 1, 1966, Charles Whitman climbed to the top of the University of Texas Clock Tower, opening fire, killing 15 people and injuring 33 more. Prior to the campus massacre, Whitman had killed his mother and wife, bringing the total number of deaths to 17. One week after the shooting, a grand jury found that Whitman had “suddenly gone completely berserk, with no warning to his family or friends” (Time). However, there were warning signs, the grand jury just was not aware of them. A reporter from Time Magazine who was granted access to approximately 600 letters between Whitman and his wife Kathy Leissner, and between and other family members, found the letters documented years of abuse that Kathy experienced at the hands of her husband. Whitman had pressured Kathy to drop out of college and move away from Texas, where he began to isolate her from family and friends, including restricting her access to a telephone. The letters also showed that Whitman controlled Kathy’s spending, monitored her body obsessively (wanting her to adhere to strict physical standards), and documented many other emotionally abusive and physically violent incidents.

It can’t be stated enough how important it is to keep guns out of the hands of abusers. Are the various laws for doing so foolproof? No, but they are effective in reducing the number of guns possessed by abusers, which reduces the number of domestic violence related homicides. States that prohibit abusers who are subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing guns have seen a 13% reduction in domestic violence homicide rates (Everytown). We need to do everything we can to protect our community – and that includes domestic violence victims.

I mentioned above that an abuser’s behavior may escalate if a victim files for an order of protection, files a police report, or files for divorce upon leaving a relationship, so it’s important that victims are able to do those things safely. If you or someone you know is planning to exit a domestic violence relationship, I would encourage reaching out to speak with an advocate who can discuss your options with you and assist with safety planning. Everyone has the right to live a life free of abuse and we want to make sure you are safe as you take those brave first steps!

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Harmony House

The mission of Harmony House is to provide shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence and promote the principle that all individuals have the right to life free of abuse.

Since 1976, our emergency shelter and supportive outreach case management programs have offered individuals and their children the opportunity to rest and heal both emotionally and physically in a supportive environment. We believe you. You are not alone and we can help!

If you or someone you know is living in an abusive situation, call 417–864-SAFE (7233) to speak with an advocate.

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