Rachel Jackson-Gordon is a postdoctoral research associate whose work focuses on violence prevention, program implementation, and community-engaged research,. She spoke with us about the potential benefits and implications of Karina’s Law, an Illinois bill that requires local law enforcement to temporarily remove guns from a person who has an order of protection against them.
How might Karina’s Law impact violence prevention efforts in Illinois?
Jackson-Gordon: Karina’s Law is a step forward, particularly in what we’d call secondary prevention, which involves intervening once signs of abuse are already present. Removing firearms from potentially dangerous individuals can reduce harm, especially in high-risk domestic situations. While research on firearm removal legislation shows mixed results depending on the setting and how it’s implemented, there is growing evidence that disarming high-risk individuals lowers the chances of firearm-related injuries and fatalities.
One strength of the law is its clarification of procedures. It specifies that local law enforcement is responsible for firearm removal. That kind of logistical detail is often missing in legislation, so this law could serve as a model for others.
Who is most at risk of experiencing domestic violence?
Jackson-Gordon: Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. It cuts across income, race, gender, and geography. That said, women are disproportionately affected, particularly when it comes to physical harm. People from marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those experiencing financial stress are often at elevated risk due to structural inequalities.
What are the key risk factors for someone becoming violent?
Jackson-Gordon: Risk factors exist at different levels: individual, relational, community, and societal. At the individual level, contributors could include childhood trauma, substance abuse, and poor problem-solving skills. At the relationship level, family stress and witnessing violence as a child are major influences. Community-level risks include poverty, disinvestment, and unemployment. At the societal level, unclear policies or cultural norms that minimize violence can make things worse.
It’s also helpful to focus on protective factors and community strengths. Teaching children how to solve problems peacefully or live in cohesive, supportive communities can significantly reduce the risk of violence over time.
How might Karina’s Law influence public perceptions of safety?
Jackson-Gordon: It depends on the community, but in general, policies like this with bipartisan support are viewed positively. Many people consider it a “common-sense” gun law. If implemented well, it could improve trust in legal systems that haven’t always protected survivors. However, community awareness is an important factor. Laws are not as effective if people don’t know they exist, and we will need data to assess their impact.
Has there been an increase in gun violence in recent years?
Jackson-Gordon: Yes. Both gun violence and domestic violence spiked during the pandemic. We’re still learning whether current levels are returning to pre-pandemic levels. Gun violence actually declined overall between the 1990s and 2018, started to increase, then spiked during the pandemic.
Are there any drawbacks to the bill?
Jackson-Gordon: One concern is the 96-hour window to remove firearms. Four days is a long time in a high-risk situation, especially since survivors are often most vulnerable when trying to leave or seek help. Jurisdictional complications could also delay enforcement, particularly if someone owns property in more than one county. That’s where safety planning becomes essential. Community organizations can help survivors plan where to stay and how to remain safe during that critical window.
How can community-engaged research help evaluate the law?
Jackson-Gordon: Community-engaged research may involve people with lived experience in the research process, not just as participants, but as co-researchers. This aligns with survivor-centered approaches used by many domestic violence organizations. Involving survivors and local agencies can help generate more relevant data. If a law isn’t showing results, community-based research may help by identifying whether the issue is with the law itself or how it’s being implemented.
What role do community-based organizations play alongside legislation?
Jackson-Gordon: Community-based organizations typically focus on issues impacting the community such as healthcare, education, social services, housing, and community development. These organizations offer essential services like counseling and safety planning that laws alone can’t provide. Real safety comes from a coordinated network of support. Legislation is one piece of the larger picture.
Any final thoughts?
Jackson-Gordon: We have to start earlier. By the time someone is in an abusive relationship, harmful patterns are harder to reverse. That’s one reason I prioritize primary prevention like programs that help children build healthy coping and communication skills early in life. Investing in the next generation is essential to ending the cycle of violence.
