North Charlotte Today

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 prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms.

The designated communities in the Western District of North Carolina are the City of Asheville and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

“Our partnerships with federal, local and Tribal law enforcement, service providers, and organizations that service the designated communities are critical in our efforts to address intimate partner violence and protect survivors,” said Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “By joining forces, we can combine and leverage our resources and expertise to combat intimate partner violence. Together, we are committed to strengthening community safety, holding offenders accountable, and ensuring that victims have access to the support they need and protection they deserve.”

“ATF is proud to be part of this collaborative effort aimed at better protecting those affected by domestic violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are prohibited from possessing a firearm. ATF joins our law enforcement partners in efforts to make sure those individuals no longer pose a danger to their families or communities.”

“Reducing intimate partner violence and seeking justice for its survivors is a top priority for the Asheville Police Department,” said Asheville Police Chief Michael Lamb. “We value our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and appreciate the willingness of the Department of Justice and the ATF to work alongside us in our efforts to reduce and eliminate domestic violence.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina will continue efforts to combat domestic violence through comprehensive training, increased federal prosecutions, and allocation of federal resources.

The office plans to conduct specialized trainings for law enforcement and partner agencies aimed at enhancing responses to domestic violence incidents, improving victim safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and supporting local agencies addressing these crimes.

In partnership with state prosecutors, cases involving individuals with misdemeanor or felony domestic violence convictions or those subject to restraining orders who illegally possess firearms or ammunition will be reviewed for potential federal prosecution.

Federal grants will be deployed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to support community organizations combating intimate partner violence. These funds aim to ensure continuity of services, expand access to legal support, and address unique challenges faced by victims.

“Helpmate is pleased to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this important initiative,” said April Burgess-Johnson, Executive Director of Helpmate in Asheville. “For nearly 50 years, Helpmate has provided shelter, safety, and support for survivors of intimate partner domestic violence. We applaud this initiative.”

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), communities were designated in coordination with stakeholders using data identifying areas benefiting from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources where local jurisdictions are committed to partnering with DOJ.

Additional jurisdictions may be designated as USAOs continue coordination with local stakeholders. All USAOs will continue combating intimate partner firearm violence as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy supporting DOJ's Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.

For additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office please visit their website.