On July 3, 2023, a woman named Karina Gonzalez and her 15-year-old daughter, Daniela, were tragically shot and killed by Karina’s husband when he violated an Order of Protection meant to keep them safe. Their deaths shook Illinois and highlighted dangerous gaps in the law, specifically around how firearms are handled in orders of protection cases.
In response, Karina’s Bill was proposed, and thanks to the tireless advocacy from domestic violence agencies and community members, the bill was officially signed into law on February 10, 2025. Known now as Karina’s Law, it will be enforced starting May 11th. To better understand its future impact in our communities, here is all you need to know about Karina’s Law, its implementation processes, and how it outlines a safer, more secure response to orders of protection and domestic violence in Illinois.
Understanding the Problem
Unfortunately, gun violence is incredibly prevalent within domestic violence, and before Karina’s Law, Illinois did not have a clear process defined for firearm removal when a perpetrator was served an order of protection.
Prevalence of Gun Violence
In a domestic violence situation, abuse can fatally escalate when perpetrators have access to a gun. Especially if the victim is trying to leave the relationship, such as filing for an order of protection, a perpetrator is more likely to become violent and try to regain control of their partner.
As we look towards a safer future, it is imperative to address the scope of gun violence within families and how it affects our community. Here are a few quick facts and statistics that touch on the dangers of gun access within a domestic violence (DV) situation:
- • A survivor is 5 times more likely to be killed if their abuser has access to a firearm.
- • Between 2019 and 2023, Illinois saw a 63% rise in gun-related domestic violence deaths.
- • In 2023 alone, fatal domestic violence shootings rose by 19%, and nonfatal shootings increased by 27% according to city data.
- • One study found that nearly 70% of mass shootings are tied to domestic violence, and DV-related mass shootings are more deadly than others.
These numbers represent lives lost—families devastated—and make it clear: access to gun access in abusive situations is a deadly mix.
Ambiguous Firearm Removal Procedures
When a victim or survivor of domestic violence is granted an order of protection, they should feel an overwhelming sense of peace. However, the ambiguous language in Illinois legislation and undefined processes for firearm removal left much room for serious shortcomings:
- • A granted Order of Protection under the Code of Criminal Procedure prohibits the alleged abuser from possessing firearms and a valid FOID Card, but the law did not clearly explain how or when firearms would be confiscated or removed.
- • The law also did not authorize law enforcement to enter the alleged abuser’s residence to carry out the order and retrieve firearms.
- • The Transfer Loophole. Abusers were allowed to “transfer” their firearms to another person with a valid FOID Card – often a friend, family member, or neighbor – which kept those weapons accessible. In effect, law enforcement did not have a clear path to determine if the respondent obeyed the law and transferred the weapons to another.
These gaps created confusion, delayed enforcement, and ultimately left survivors at risk.
Karina’s Law as the Solution
Karina’s Law closes these dangerous loopholes and gives law enforcement the tools they need to protect survivors more effectively.
Defined Procedures
As we prepare for Karina’s Law to be implemented on May 11th, here is a brief outline of how it addresses ambiguous legislature, provides detailed procedures for law enforcement, and closes the Transfer Loophole.
- • Immediate firearm surrender. When an abuser is served an order of protection, they must give up all guns and firearm parts immediately. If any weapons aren’t on hand, they must be surrendered within 24 hours.
- • Search warrants allowed. Police and prosecutors now have clear authority to request search warrants to find and remove guns, ammo, and FOID cards if the abuser doesn’t comply, there is reasonable cause, or someone is believed to be in danger.
- • Closing the Transfer Loophole. Under Karina’s Law, all firearms and firearm parts must be surrendered to law enforcement. The weapons will then be handled by approved agencies held responsible for limiting access to the firearms.
What This Means for Survivors in Illinois
Karina’s Law helps ensure that when a survivor reaches out for protection, the system follows through. It’s a promise that the law will not only be written—but enforced—to give survivors a real chance at safety.
“This law is very trauma informed: it acknowledges the severity of the harm and trauma domestic violence survivors face and doesn’t blame them for not getting out but recognizes a huge barrier for leaving an abusive relationship is threats of harm from firearm violence. Karina’s law and the updates to the Illinois domestic violence statutes provide a fair and legal means to remove firearms from the hands of abusers, reduces the fear of leaving an abuser and ultimately keeps not only survivors, but their children and society, as a whole, safer,” shared Traci Kurtzer, Medical Director for Trauma-Informed Care and Education at Northwestern Medicine.
In Memory, In Action
Karina and Daniela’s lives were precious—and their deaths should not have been the price of legislative inaction. As Karina’s surviving son, Manny Alvarez, expressed at a news conference for the signing of Karina’s Law:
“As I look forward to the future, I hope that future survivors won’t have to suffer as much as our family and countless others have had to at the hands of abusers.”
We must continue taking small steps towards safer homes, schools, and streets, and Karina’s Law is one strong example of how we can protect communities vulnerable to violence and ensure their futures.
Join CAWC’s Mission
Every survivor deserves safety, justice, and a chance to rebuild. But they can’t do it alone, and neither can we.
Here’s how you can help:
- Support your local domestic violence agency. Volunteer your time, donate goods or funds, and spread the word.
- Learn the signs of domestic violence and be a safe person for someone who may be in danger.
- Advocate for change. Call your elected officials and push for continued reform that prioritizes survivor safety. The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence keeps an updated list of legislative priorities to protect survivors.
Karina’s Law is a victory—but our work is far from over. Together, we can build a future where every survivor feels seen, heard, and safe.