The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that it has designated Brooklyn as one of 78 communities nationwide to receive prioritized attention under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.
This initiative will focus on prosecuting domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms, with the goal of reducing intimate partner gun violence in the borough.
The announcement came as part of a broader effort by the Justice Department to strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and local jurisdictions. The Eastern District of New York, which includes Brooklyn, will work closely with local law enforcement and community organizations to tackle domestic violence.
“My office will continue to use every tool and resource available to address domestic violence in our communities and hold violent actors accountable,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, Breon Peace. “Strong community partnerships are key to our ability to meaningfully engage in this endeavor, and we thank all of our partners for their untiring efforts.”
The initiative will also include a partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), focusing on prosecuting offenders prohibited from owning firearms under federal law.
The designation of Brooklyn under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 means that the U.S. Department of Justice is prioritizing resources and legal tools to combat domestic violence, specifically focusing on offenders who illegally possess firearms.
This initiative targets individuals convicted of domestic violence or those subject to protective orders who are prohibited by federal law (under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)) from owning firearms. In practical terms, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) will work more closely with federal, state and local law enforcement — such as the ATF and NYPD — to investigate and prosecute domestic abusers who violate these federal firearms laws.
The initiative focuses on both prosecuting offenders and supporting victims. Domestic violence offenders who illegally possess or use firearms will be prosecuted at the federal level, which often carries harsher penalties than state or local charges. This increases the likelihood of removing dangerous individuals from the community and preventing further violence.
At the same time, the initiative will strengthen partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and victim support groups such as the Salvation Army, Restore NYC and the NYC Family Justice Centers. These groups will provide essential resources and protection for survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they receive the emotional, legal, and financial support they need.
This designation means Brooklyn will receive enhanced federal attention and resources to address the intersection of domestic violence and gun crime, using a coordinated approach that brings together legal enforcement and community support. It’s part of a broader national effort by the Justice Department to reduce intimate partner violence and keep communities safer.
