INDIANAPOLIS — Domestic violence impacts countless individuals, families and communities.
It can also be deadly.
"A persistent percentage of the gun violence we're seeing is gun violence in the home," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary Myers.
Myers' office, along with other federal agencies, is working on a plan.
Indianapolis was among nearly 80 communities across the U.S. designated by the Justice Department to focus on federal efforts to reduce intimate partner gun violence.
That means working with the ATF.
Agents who help seize guns will also help locate domestic violence abusers with previous gun charges.
"It's illegal for them to have them and because these offenders are particularly dangerous when they're armed," said Myers.
Danyette Smith, director of Indy Champions under the Indy Public Safety Foundation, knows this story all too well.
"We're getting those referrals from law enforcement. We're getting those referrals from the hospitals when individual victims have already been shot and they're trying to figure out what is next after getting out the hospitals," said Smith.
For years, she has focused her work on intervention and prevention.
Smith said a federal charge for domestic violence abusers could be a game changer.
"Once those federal charges are picked up, it's a whole different ball game, which ultimately benefits the survivor of domestic violence and our community," said Smith. "With federal charges, they've vetted that individual which means they have the evidence and what's needed to get charges to stick."
Myers said federal courts take different things into account.
"There are a number of things about a federal gun prosecution that can provide protections that sometimes you can't get in the course of domestic violence prosecution," said Myers.
For example, possession of an illegal object like a Glock switch or machine gun conversion device:
- A history of domestic violence misdemeanors;
- A final protective order and/or
- A felony conviction.
"If you are convicted in federal court of a gun offense, the circumstances of violence in the home still come before the court for the court to consider in choosing what an appropriate sentence is," said Myers.
Smith said on the heels of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it's important to remember to help those in need.
"Be a voice for someone, whether it's your neighbor, your co-worker or even a family member or even yourself. Be a voice," said Smith.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there is help available. You can call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-332-7385.
To find help in your county, visit the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence's website.