South Raleigh News

Governor Cooper has announced new funding from the Governor’s Crime Commission aimed at improving enforcement of laws designed to prevent domestic abusers in North Carolina from accessing firearms. The initiative coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which was proclaimed by Governor Cooper earlier this month.

“This new funding represents an important step to protect women, families and communities,” said Governor Cooper. “By providing more resources to survivors of domestic abuse, judges, and prosecutors, we can work to prevent domestic violence and help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.”

The Governor’s Crime Commission has allocated three federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants totaling $74,000. These grants will be distributed among the N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Conference of District Attorneys. The funds are intended to assist in training judges and prosecutors, supporting victims of domestic violence, and assessing the effectiveness of programs that aim to prevent firearm access by domestic abusers.

Additionally, the Commission decided to prioritize firearm reduction programs related to domestic violence for their annual VAWA fund allocation. Up to 20% of approximately $5 million in federal funding will focus on these initiatives. Applications for 2025-2026 VAWA funding will be accepted starting December, with $935,000 earmarked for programs targeting firearm-related domestic violence.

“The Governor’s Crime Commission recognizes the increased risk of homicide in domestic violence situations, making management of protective orders a critical issue that impacts the safety of North Carolinians,” stated Caroline Farmer, Executive Director of the Governor’s Crime Commission.

Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson emphasized the significance of these measures: “Research shows the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%,” she noted. “Restricting access to firearms when a protective order is issued can reduce intimate partner homicides 10% to 12%.”

The decision aligns with efforts by NCDHHS to approach domestic violence as a public health issue through evidence-based practices.

In recognition of Purple Thursday—a day dedicated to raising awareness about domestic abuse—North Carolinians are encouraged to wear purple and share images on social media using #WearPurpleDay. Purple symbolizes courage and commitment toward ending various forms of abuse associated with domestic violence.

NCDHHS officials have also suggested strategies in a white paper addressing public health approaches to reducing firearm-related violence.

Historically, VAWA funding in North Carolina has supported initiatives addressing various forms of gender-based violence including stalking and dating violence. Recent guidance from federal authorities now allows states more flexibility in directing funds towards combating gun-related aspects within these issues.