On June 21, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in U.S. v. Rahimi, ruling that individuals subject to qualifying domestic violence protection orders are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition.
MCASA applauds this decision for prioritizing the safety of survivors over an abuser’s access to firearms. However, we also recognize that the intersections of gun violence and sexual violence run deep, and know there is still much work to do.
Sexual violence and relationship violence often overlap. The inherent threat of guns facilitates sexual assault, and firearms are the weapon most frequently used in rape victimizations.
Keeping firearms out of the hands of abusers will help make our communities safer. MCASA remains dedicated to the ongoing fight against sexual violence, and we are grateful for this decision that will safe lives.
MCASA is the federally-recognized state sexual assault coalition responsible for certifying comprehensive rape crisis/sexual assault programs to ensure services are survivor centered. MCASA's core members are the State's 17 rape crisis centers, and the Coalition also represents the voices of many other member professionals, programs, and service providers working with sexual assault survivors. MCASA includes the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI), which provides direct legal services to victims of sexual violence across the state of Maryland. MCASA is the leading public policy advocate for survivors of sexual assault in Annapolis and more information about legislative priorities and services for survivors can be found at www.mcasa.org.
