Each year, on average, at least one in nine prohibited gun purchasers denied by a background check are denied due to prohibiting domestic violence histories.

Everytown Research analysis of Connor Brooks, “Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2019–2020,” US Bureau of Justice Statistics, November 2023, https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/bcft1920.pdf, and data obtained by FBI FOIA requests, 2021–2023. Though the majority of the transactions and denials reported by the FBI and BJS are associated with a firearm sale or transfer, a small number may be for concealed-carry permits and other reasons not related to a sale or transfer. Totals include both those who are prohibited due to a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence conviction and those who are denied due to restraining or protection orders for domestic violence.

Last updated: 5.27.2025