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LVPO

Easy access to a firearm can turn a temporary crisis into a permanent tragedy

Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Call or text 988. Chat at 988lifeline.org. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-34. So, Delawareans should be aware of a tool that’s available to prevent gun-related suicides in their family and community.

LVPO stands for Lethal Violence Protection Order, and it supports the temporary removal of firearms during times of crisis. Protecting people’s lives is not a partisan matter, and Delaware legislators across the political spectrum recognized that this policy provides a critical safeguard. The LVPO law passed unanimously, with broad bipartisan support.

  • I want everybody in the state of Delaware to know that they have this tool. This very effective tool, to cut down on gun violence. And if it saves a life, that’s what we want.

    Kathleen Jennings,
    Delaware Attorney General

  • These laws pass because they are successful at saving lives where they already are passed.

    Paul Baumbach,
    Delaware State Representative

How it Works

  1. A person in crisis or a loved one of a person in crisis calls the police and requests a LVPO.

  2. If appropriate, the firearms are temporarily removed from the premises and stored for safekeeping at police headquarters.

  3. Within 15 days of the removal, a hearing is held. Hearings are not open to the public and, if the crisis has passed, the firearm can be returned.

LVPOs do NOT remove or harm the person in crisis

LVPOs do NOT put anyone in jail

LVPOs do NOT put anyone in handcuffs

LVPOs do NOT create a criminal record

LVPOs remove the firearm ONLY

One Thing You Can Do: How It Works in Your State | Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund

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Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Risk Protection Orders | Center for American Progress

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Delaware Lethal Violence Protective Order & Domestic Violence Protection From Abuse Order: How Do They Differ? | Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health

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Learn more about LVPOs, suicide and gun violence in Delaware

LVPOs give people in crisis the thing they need the most, time. Protect your family, neighbors, and community. Spread the word.

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