Removing the Trigger Campaign

This project is a collaborative initiative between Gun Free South Africa, MOSAIC, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa, and the Cape Town office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. The project seeks to generate evidence on the nature and extent of gun use in domestic violence, use this data to strengthen policy and practice - particularly around the effective removal of firearms from abusive situations - and raise broader public awareness of the issue. Overall it aims to strengthen the rights and safety of victims from gun-related domestic violence in South Africa.

Research Report Launch 2025

In the News

Removing the Trigger Research Report Launch Event Panel Discussion

Police fail to confiscate firearms from domestic violence perpetrators, report finds

Article
Women facing domestic gun violence remain inadequately protected despite existing laws, writes GroundUp journalist Mary-Anne Gontsana. Her article follows the launch of the research report “Losing Liberty & Life: The Impact of Firearms on Domestic Violence in South Africa”, part of the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Removing the Trigger campaign - a collaborative project with GFSA, MOSAIC, and the NSMSA - on 9 December 2025.

Research Report

A Practical Guide

Guns and Domestic Violence a Practical Guide

Guns & Domestic Violence

Publication
These publications - two case study flyers and a practical guideline - offer essential information on guns in domestic violence, including how to request the removal of firearms from abusive partners. They explain how the Domestic Violence Act and Firearms Control Act allow police or courts to act when someone abusive, depressed, or suicidal has access to a gun. The guideline also provides support resources, helplines, and safety planning tools.

Johannesburg Launch Panel Discussion

Firearms are the one weapon we can control, yet the system still fails to remove them
Lisa Vetten, Author of "Losing Liberty & Life: the Impact of Firearms on Domestic Violence"

Campaign Launch

The Removing the Trigger Campaign was launched on the 14th of February 2024. It provided an opportunity to bring stakeholders together, to share some information on the nature and extent of firearm use in domestic violence situations, as well as to raise awareness of the issue.

Article

In the News

Removing the Trigger Campaign Launch

Campaign launched to remove guns from violent domestic partners

Article
Valentine’s Day is traditionally filled with celebrations of love. But for many victims of domestic abuse it will be like any other day filled with fear and violence. On 14 February, Gun Free South Africa launched the “Removing the Trigger” Campaign with the Mosaic training service and health centre, National Shelter Movement South Africa and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Foundation. Read here Groundup News article by journalist Jabulile Mbatha.

TV Interview

Firearm Safety | Gun Free SA launches 'Removing the Trigger' campaign to combat domestic violence - SABC News

video-thumbnail Watch on YouTube

Relevant Resources

Femicide Brief

gun-related-femicide-in-sa-over-25-years-a-call-to-action

Gun-related femicide in SA

South Africa is in the grip of a femicide crisis, with firearms playing a leading role in the murder of women. This brief, developed by our partner, Gun Free South Africa, outlines six key recommendations to strengthen gun control, close legal loopholes, and prevent firearms from falling into the hands of those who pose a threat to women’s safety.

Guidebook

It's an order guidebook

It’s An Order! Protection Orders Must Protect!

Publication
The Its An Order guidebook is a three-part guide developed by MOSAIC aimed at providing practical information to victims of domestic violence and first responders to domestic violence incidences and reports about rights, responsibilities and the law.

Domestic Violence Safety Planning

DV Safety Plan

Domestic Violence Safety Planning

Publication
While South Africa is in lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, for those in abusive relationships, isolating at home presents additional risks. Our partner, the National Shelter Movement, has put together some suggestions for those needing to stay safe and seek help during this time. 

For more information on campaign partners visit MOSAIC | Gun Free South Africa | National Shelter Movement of South Africa 

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