FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2024
Press Contact: Tami Truett Jerue, Executive Director Tel: (907) 378‑3339
media@aknwrc.org www.aknwrc.org
LANDMARK SUPREME COURT CASE U.S. V. RAHIMI: A CRUCIAL VICTORY FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Today, in a landmark 8–1 decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of upholding protections for survivors of domestic violence in U.S. v. Rahimi. This pivotal ruling reaffirms the nation’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of individuals subjected to domestic abuse.
The Rahimi case centered around the interpretation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8) and its prohibition against individuals under restraining orders for domestic violence from possessing firearms. In their decision, the Court recognized the critical need to prevent abusers from having access to weapons, a measure proven to significantly reduce the risk of further harm or fatalities for survivors.
Chief Justice Roberts, writing for the Court, held “When an individual has been found by a court to pose a credible threat to the physical safety of another, that individual may be temporarily disarmed consistent with the Second Amendment.”
AKNWRC applauds this decision as a monumental step forward. The ruling underscores the importance of comprehensive legal protections in breaking the cycle of abuse and ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected.
“Today’s decision is a testament to the tireless efforts of advocates, survivors, and legal experts who have worked to highlight the grave dangers posed by allowing domestic abusers to retain access to firearms,” said Tami Truett Jerue, Executive Director of AKNWRC. “This ruling not only strengthens the legal framework protecting survivors but also sends a clear message that their safety is a priority.”
The implications of this ruling extend beyond immediate protection. By upholding the restriction on firearm possession for those under restraining orders, the Court has reinforced the broader societal commitment to addressing and mitigating domestic violence. This decision serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need for robust support systems and legal measures to protect survivors.
As we celebrate this legal victory, AKNWRC remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of all survivors of domestic violence. We will continue working alongside our survivors, Tribes, policymakers, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure survivors receive the protection and support they need.
Additional information about the U.S. v. Rahimi case and its implications for domestic violence survivors is available at VAWA Sovereignty Initiative Update June 2024 | NIWRC.
About the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center:
Organized in 2015, the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center is a tribal nonprofit organization dedicated to ending violence against women with Alaska’s 229 tribes and allied organizations. AKNWRC board members are Alaska Native women, raised in Alaska Native Villages, and have 153 years of combined experience in tribal governments, nonprofit management, domestic violence, and sexual assault advocacy (both individual crisis and systems), and grassroots social change advocacy at the local, statewide, regional, national, and international levels. AKNWRC’s philosophy is that violence against women is rooted in the colonization of indigenous nations.
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