Protect from Imminent Harm

Taking action when someone shows signs they are at risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm can save a life.

A Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) can provide time and space to get through the crisis and prevent a tragedy. 

Close-up of a handshake between two people, with one dressed in a black suit and the other in a gray sweater, over a table in a professional setting.

GVROs: Creating Time and Space During a Crisis

When warning signs are present, family members, household members, law enforcement, colleagues, or educators can petition the court for a temporary order to limit someone’s access to firearms.

GVROs are civil orders—not criminal charges. Their purpose is to reduce immediate risk while allowing time for support, intervention, and stability.

Taking action early can help protect loved ones, strengthen families, and prevent irreversible harm.

Learn how to get a gVro

Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) FAQs

  • GVROs are civil court orders, not criminal charges.  Their purpose is to reduce an imminent risk of harm while allowing time for support, intervention and stability. 

  • The order can be requested when warning signs are present that a person poses a danger to themselves (suicide), or others, including threats of a mass shooting, from a firearm,  

  • The order temporarily prohibits a person from owning, possessing or purchasing firearms and ammunition. 

  • To request an order, anyone can contact law enforcement to share the details of the situation, OR the following people can petition the court directly for the order: 

    1. Family members 

    2. Roommates 

    3. Persons in a dating relationship or if they share a child 

    4. Employers or coworkers 

    5. Teachers 

  • A hearing is set in 21 days. When law enforcement serves the order, all firearms and ammunition must be immediately surrendered and held in storage.

  • GVRO Petition Form (GV-100) is used to request a gun violence restraining order

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Situations Where Early Action Matters

GVROs have helped prevent harm in situations where warning signs were present, including when:

  • A man with dark hair and beard sitting on a brown leather couch, resting his head in his hand against a dark green wall.

    A family member in severe emotional distress had a firearm increasing concern for their safety.

  • Silhouette of a woman and a child standing in a brightly lit doorway, with the woman holding the child up in the air, enjoying a moment together inside a modern home. The background shows large windows and decorative shelves on a wall.

    Children were in a home
    where an adult’s unsafe behavior and firearm access created serious risk.

  • An elderly man with gray hair sitting by a lake, reading a brochure, with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

    An older adult experiencing memory loss or dementia still had access to firearms and threatened their family.

  • Students sitting at desks in a classroom, facing a teacher who is standing by a whiteboard at the front of the room.

    Specific threats toward a school
    or workplace raised fears
    of potential violence.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WARNING SIGNS

You Don’t Have to Wait

If you are concerned about someone’s behavior who has access to a firearm you don’t have to wait until a situation escalates.

Understanding how a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) works can help families and communities take responsible, caring action when it matters most.

Learn How to Request a GVRO from Your Local Court

Court Self-Help