Why More Women Are Buying Guns: A Response to Violence

Violence against women in the United States is a serious and growing concern. Nearly 1 in 4 women experiences intimate partner violence, and about 1 in 10 women has been raped by an intimate partner in her lifetime. In 2021, more than a third of female homicide victims were killed by an intimate partner, and in two-thirds of those cases, a firearm was used. Millions more women experience stalking, harassment, and psychological abuse, with over 43 million women reporting aggression from someone they once trusted.

These numbers are not just statistics, they reflect the real risks women face daily and highlight the importance of personal safety for women.

The Rise of Women Gun Ownership

Women are now the fastest-growing group of new gun owners in the U.S. Surveys show that nearly half of all new gun buyers since 2019 have been women, and the top reason for purchasing a firearm is self-defense.

Modern women are approaching firearms ownership from necessity rather than tradition. Threats often come from people they know, not strangers, making personal protection a priority. Owning a firearm and learning how to use it safely provides women with both confidence and security.

Female Self-Defense and Firearms Training

Buying a gun is just the first step. Women are increasingly seeking firearms training for self-defense, which helps them build skills, improve confidence, and prepare for real-life scenarios. A Girl & A Gun provides education and a supportive community where women can practice handling firearms safely, learn situational awareness, and take charge of their safety.

Empowerment Through Preparedness

The dangers women face help explain why so many are choosing firearms as part of their safety strategy. While firearms are unfortunately involved in many domestic violence cases, women view gun ownership as a way to protect themselves and their families. A firearm represents more than a tool, it symbolizes empowerment, security, and the determination to remain safe.

Across the country, women are no longer waiting for help, they are preparing, training, and taking steps to safeguard their lives. Firearms training, education, and responsible ownership are reshaping the conversation about women’s safety and self-defense.

Fact Sheet:

• Intimate Partner Violence Statistics:
  • The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
    • Nearly 1 in 4 women (24.3%) have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
    • Nearly 1 in 10 women (9.4%) have been raped by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
    • Over 43 million women have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
    • Learn more: Giving Back ⋆ A Girl and A Gun
• Firearm Use in Intimate Partner Homicides:
  • More than half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.
  • Firearms are used in more than 50% of these intimate partner-related homicides.
• Rise in Women Gun Ownership:
  • Women are the fastest-growing group of new gun owners in the U.S., with nearly half of all new gun buyers since 2019 being women.
  • Self-defense is the top reason for purchasing a firearm.
• Self Defense Training for Women:
  • A Girl & A Gun provides education and a supportive community for women seeking training.
  • These programs help women build skills, improve confidence, and prepare for real-life self-defense scenarios.

How to Start a Self-Defense Journey

Starting your self-defense journey begins with building both physical and mental preparedness. Begin with fitness and strength training, focusing on core strength, endurance, and mobility to ensure you can move confidently and respond quickly in any situation. Get started with the A Girl & A Gun Push-Up Challenge.

Pair this with situational awareness practice, which is learning to read your environment, recognize potential threats, and trust your instincts. Hone these skills by participating in the A Girl & A Gun Book Club.

Explore nonlethal self-defense tools like pepper spray or tactical flashlights to give you options when needed. For those interested in armed self-defense, start with professional training from certified instructors through A Girl & A Gun, emphasizing safety, proper handling, and scenario-based practice. A Girl & A Gun events are excellent places to learn firearms skills, knife defense, as well as unarmed defense.

While the statistics on violence against women in the United States are sobering, they also highlight an important truth: women have the power to take control of their own safety. Each statistic is a reminder that personal preparedness matters, and it’s never too late to start building the skills, confidence, and mindset to protect yourself.

Self-defense training empowers women to respond effectively, stay aware, and feel secure in any situation. By investing in fitness, situational awareness, nonlethal tools, and firearms training, women can turn concern into action, transforming vulnerability into strength and confidence. Every step taken toward self-defense is a step toward empowerment and peace of mind.