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.
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.
Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) FAQs
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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.
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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,
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The order temporarily prohibits a person from owning, possessing or purchasing firearms and ammunition.
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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:
Family members
Roommates
Persons in a dating relationship or if they share a child
Employers or coworkers
Teachers
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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.
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GVRO Petition Form (GV-100) is used to request a gun violence restraining order
Situations Where Early Action Matters
GVROs have helped prevent harm in situations where warning signs were present, including when:
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A family member in severe emotional distress had a firearm increasing concern for their safety.
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Children were in a home
where an adult’s unsafe behavior and firearm access created serious risk. -
An older adult experiencing memory loss or dementia still had access to firearms and threatened their family.
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Specific threats toward a school
or workplace raised fears
of potential violence.
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.