INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis has been named a focus point for new efforts by the United States Department of Justice to reduce domestic gun violence against women.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states and territories where a federal effort will be made within communities to reduce domestic violence involving guns under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.
Indianapolis is one of those communities.
According to a release sent Thursday, Sept. 19, the Justice Department will partner with each designated community to come up with a plan that prioritizes the prosecution of domestic violence offenders who break federal gun laws. The DOJ says this will be accomplished by continuing outreach and to increase coordination that identifies and targets the most violent offenders.
In Indianapolis, IMPD and the ATF will partner with the DOJ through the LEATH (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence) Initiative.
“As we approach Domestic Violence Awareness month in October, it is imperative that we continue to work hand in hand with our community and law enforcement partners to halt intimate partner violence,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We know that violent, illegally armed abusers pose a profound danger to those closest to them, police, and the entire community. I am grateful to the Department of Justice for recognizing our efforts. This designation will help further our commitment to saving lives by disarming domestic abusers and removing them from our communities.”
The DOJ says chosen communities have been selected based on communication with community stakeholders and also used pre-existing data to identify areas in need of increased focus.
More communities nationwide are expected to be selected at a later date.