U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TO WORK WITH LOCAL PARTNERS TO REDUCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

BILLINGS - Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.

The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney's offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms.

In the District of Montana, Gallatin County and Bozeman have been designated.

"Domestic gun violence not only leads to tragedy within families, but it also ripples through our communities. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their homes and communities. Reducing intimate partner firearm violence and getting dangerous offenders off the street are top priorities for our office. By continuing our commitment to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, and community stakeholders, we are making sure that persons who are prohibited under federal law from having guns are prosecuted and held accountable," U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

"Domestic abuse was once considered a private matter to be suffered alone in the shadows," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. "VAWA has steadily shone a light on this issue, resulting in significant decreases in domestic violence over the past few decades. We recognize firearms are often used by abusers to carry out acts of domestic violence. To combat this, we encourage our law enforcement partners to seek all available federal funds so we may continue to disrupt this violence and strengthen our support of all victims."

"As the County Attorney in Gallatin County, I witness firsthand the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and communities," said Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell. "Gallatin County's designation as a VAWA jurisdiction and partnership with the US Attorney's Office marks a crucial advancement in our fight against domestic violence. By collaborating at both local and federal levels, we enhance our capability to tackle the complexities of these cases, especially those involving gun violence. Our joint efforts are not only aimed at reducing domestic violence and preventing homicides but also at providing robust support to survivors, ensuring they have the resources and protection necessary to rebuild and thrive. This initiative underscores our commitment to a safer, more just community."

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana is working with law enforcement to reduce gun violence through coordinated, multi-agency investigations through the federal initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods, to ensure that persons who violate federal firearms law are charged, convicted and sentenced to federal prison, where there is no parole.

Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.

The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department's Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.

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Clair J. Howard

Public Affairs Officer

406-247-4623

[email protected]