Code, various loopholes in that section allow perpetrators to purchase and maintain possession of firearms. For example, Federal law only protects domestic violence victims against spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, former cohabitants, and individuals with whom those victims have a child. Furthermore, under Federal law, protective orders issued against domestic violence abusers on an emergency or ex parte basis do not prohibit those abusers from possessing or purchasing firearms. (8) Some States and local governments have passed laws that go beyond the Federal baseline by expanding the range of abusive partners included in firearm restrictions to encompass abusive dating partners. Numerous studies conducted between 2000 and 2017 have shown that States that pass these laws experience a significant reduction in intimate partner homicides. (9) States that restrict access to guns to individuals subject to active domestic violence restraining orders have experienced a 13-percent reduction in intimate partner homicides involving firearms. (10) Congress has the power to set a national standard to protect domestic violence victims who seek restraining orders against abusive partners by preventing those abusive partners from possessing or purchasing firearms and ammunition while the restraining order is in effect. 3. Definitions of intimate partner and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence expanded Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1) by inserting before paragraph (32) the following: (31) The term covered domestic violence court order means a court order— (A) that was issued— (i) after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had an opportunity to participate