California’s Protection Orders Can Help Prevent Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Protection Orders Help Protect Survivors

From 2019-2021, there was an 80% increase in the number of domestic violence-related calls in California that involved the reported or threatened use of firearms. When firearms are present in situations of intimate partner violence, the risk of death is five times higher.

California’s civil protection orders save lives by giving families and communities a way to act before tragedy occurs. Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) and Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) allow courts to temporarily remove firearms and ammunition from people who are threatening harm. These orders provide critical time and space for survivors and their loved ones to seek safety.

Download our Domestic Violence Protection Order fact sheet to learn more about how DVROs can save lives:

DVRO Fact Sheet

DON’T FORGET:

Domestic Violence Prevention Webinar

Reduce the Risk is helping to educate communities about the resources in place to help protect domestic violence survivors by hosting a Domestic Violence Prevention Webinar. Join us to learn more about how protection orders help save lives and prevent domestic violence.

Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 12 – 1 p.m.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Santa Clara County’s Gun Violence
Restraining Orders PSA

Santa Clara County has seen great success in implementing GVROs and is a statewide leader in gun violence prevention. In 2024, Santa Clara County filed 638 GVROs, which have been critical tools in preventing mass shootings, domestic violence, firearm suicides and other types of gun violence.

While California’s protection orders can be instrumental in preventing gun violence, lack of awareness has led them to become underutilized. This county-wide public service announcement, led by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office alongside the San Jose Police Department, educates county residents about these critical tools and how they can prevent gun violence.

Check out the PSA here to learn more!

OCTOBER 19 – 25

Safe Schools Week

Since the beginning of the year, there have been 105 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in the U.S.. Additionally, in 100% of incidents of school violence, there were warning signs that sparked concern among peers and faculty.

Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) give people a way to act to prevent gun violence when they notice warning signs. GVROs are lifesaving tools that allow people in crisis to pause and seek help. According to a UC Davis study, GVROs were used in 58 cases where there was a threat of mass shootings between 2016 and 2020. No mass shootings occurred once the GVRO was filed, proving them to be an extremely effective tool in preventing gun violence.

THIS OCTOBER

CDPH Welcomes Reduce the Risk at the 2025 California Public Health Convening

Later this month, Cal OES will be introducing Reduce the Risk at the 2025 California Public Health Convening on Strategies for Firearm Violence Prevention. This Convening will bring together approximately 130 attendees to lift up, learn from, inspire and strengthen firearm violence prevention efforts throughout the state.

Reduce the Risk is honored to participate in this remarkable event and is excited to share our campaign resources with fellow organizations working to prevent firearm violence. Keep an eye out for highlights from the Convening.

GET INVOLVED

Share Knowledge. Save Lives.

If you know someone who might find this information helpful,
please forward this notice and refer them to our site for in-person
and virtual training opportunities. You can also contact our team
or subject matter experts for media interviews.

To learn more about Reduce the Risk and how you can prevent gun violence in your community, visit www.ReduceTheRisk.ca.gov.

ReduceTheRisk@caloes.ca.gov