Weapons can often be present during an episode of domestic violence. Indeed using fists can be counted as using a weapon. But other weapons that are used in domestic violence include knives and any household object that can be used to strike another person such as a vase or a candlestick. Less common is the use of guns. Guns are predominately less common because less people own a gun. However guns are used during domestic disputes and sometimes with fatal consequences.
Whilst deaths from gun related domestic violence are relatively low (when compared to countries such as the US), there are many more woman who suffer either physical or mental injury because of exposure to guns in a domestic abuse setting. Research suggests that by the time a woman has been exposed to a gun during domestic violence, they will have suffered other abuse on numerous previous occasions. The use of guns by a man is yet another way for a man to exert dominance over a woman.
Social stereotypes will again and again point out that this type of crime is likely to be committed in poorer areas. This is not true. There is no discernable evidence to support this notion. Legal guns and well as illegally obtained guns are likely to be used within the domestic violence arena, in fact 75% of the guns in the world today are owned legally.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and you know that your partner has access to a gun, be aware that if his behaviour escalates, there is a possibility of him using that gun against you. It could be to scare you, injure you, or worse! If you know that your partner has access to a firearm, seek help immediately. After removing yourself (and any children from the property) you should contact the police as soon as possible.