Articles tagged with Gun Violence
A study published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children found that both gun-owning and non-gun-owning parents are receptive to discussions about gun locks and firearm safety measures with their child's pediatrician. The study, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, shows promise for reducing f...
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health examines case details and mortality records from the first three years of California's Gun Violence Restraining Order law. The research found that GVROs were used to prevent firearm assault and homicide, with almost 30% of cases involving mass shooting threats.
The journal Violence and Gender's editorial leadership urges swift adoption of effective gun control laws to reduce firearm-related deaths. Research suggests that current laws are insufficient, and the US lags behind other countries in addressing gun violence.
A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.
A study of over 4,000 US high school boys found a strong association between muscle-building exercise and physical fighting, as well as carrying weapons. The research highlights the importance of addressing gender equity and violence among adolescent boys.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that relaxing concealed firearm laws led to a 12.9% increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims in 10 US states. Four states saw significantly higher rates, including Missouri and West Virginia.
A survey of over 165,000 adolescents found a significant increase in school mental health service use in 2019 compared to prior years. The growth was particularly notable among Black adolescents and those from low-income families.
Firearm-related deaths have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among children under 19, with a widening racial gap. Secure gun storage counseling and hospital-based violence intervention programs show promise for prevention and reduction of all three categories of gun violence.
A new study found that non-White children experienced greater exposure to neighborhood firearm violence before the pandemic and saw an increase in disparities during COVID. The study quantified racial disparities in childhood exposure to gun violence with data from every US neighborhood.
A new study found California's GVRO law had no impact on reducing firearm violence in San Diego County during its first four years. The researchers suggest individual-level benefits may exist for those directly affected by the law.
A California study found that adults living with handgun owners had twice the homicide rates compared to those without, with most victims being women. Survivors of nonfatal gunshot injuries also experienced significant healthcare costs and worsening mental health.
A recent study found that young people in rural areas carry handguns nearly twice as often as urban youths, with one in three reporting carrying by age 26. The study identified six longitudinal trajectories of handgun carrying, suggesting different cultural contexts and motivations for the behavior.
A pilot study by UC San Diego School of Medicine found that eight weeks of mindfulness training significantly reduced symptoms of trauma and depression in individuals grieving from gun violence. Participants showed notable improvements in life satisfaction, with benefits lasting after the program concluded.
A Rutgers study found that individuals who die by suicide with a firearm are more likely to disclose suicidal thoughts to others but less likely to seek mental health treatment. Approximately 90% of firearm-related suicides result in death, compared to less than 5% for other methods.
A Rutgers study identifies reliable sources for firearm safety information among subgroups of gun owners. Family members and law enforcement are consistently ranked as credible, while celebrities and NRA representatives are less trusted.
A new study found that neighborhood-level gun violence dynamics in Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic were linked to changes in drug market and police activity. Average shooting rates increased after the pandemic began, but this increase occurred at different rates for different neighborhoods.
A Rutgers study suggests that delivering accurate gun safety messages from credible news sources can shape American attitudes toward gun violence. Researchers found that participants perceived headlines more accurately if they trusted the source, highlighting the importance of credible media portrayal in gun violence prevention.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm injuries increased significantly in Massachusetts, with a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic men. The study found that unemployed individuals from these groups were more likely to experience firearm injuries, highlighting the need for targeted violence prevention services.
A new study from the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management found that the 2016 Massachusetts Assault Weapons Ban Enforcement Notice resulted in a 560% increase in assault rifle sales within five days, but compliance remained low. The research suggests that stricter enforcement is needed to gain full compliance ...
A study of 16 US cities found a historic level of job losses associated with an increase in firearm violence and homicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Low-income households were disproportionately affected, with low-wage workers losing jobs at five times the rate of middle-wage workers.
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
Researchers developed an algorithm to differentiate life-threatening gunshot events from non-life-threatening plastic bag explosion events. The study found that 75% of plastic bag pop sounds were misclassified as gunshot sounds, highlighting the need for a diverse dataset of similar sounds.
A University of Toledo study found that 70.8% of K-12 educators surveyed are against allowing teachers to carry guns in schools. Despite proposals to train and arm teachers, the majority of educators strongly disagree with the idea, citing concerns about safety and normalization of school shootings.
A new publication sheds light on how words used in relation to firearm injuries and deaths can impact prevention efforts. The authors emphasize the need for shared, informed, non-judgmental language to create trust and sustainable collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and the public.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the criminal justice system, highlighting issues with family and domestic violence, gang activity, and police-community interactions. Scholars from the American Society of Criminology investigate these concerns in a special issue, exploring lessons learned and policy implications.
A RAND Corporation survey of 173 gun policy researchers found strikingly polarized views on the merits of various policies, with differing estimates of their effects on firearm homicides and suicides. The study highlights areas where experts agree and disagreements exist, providing a roadmap for future research to resolve uncertainties.
A recent study of nearly 68,000 firearm-related deaths among US youth ages 5-24 found a significant association between county-level poverty concentration and mortality rates. The analysis revealed that areas with higher levels of poverty had significantly higher firearm-related death rates.
A Rutgers study of 3,500 adults found that those who bought firearms during the 2020 purchasing surge tend to be more sensitive to threats and have less emotional control. This suggests that individuals prone to impulsivity may buy firearms as a coping mechanism for stress.
A Rutgers study found that people who bought firearms during the 2020 purchasing surge were more likely to report suicidal thoughts, with 56% experiencing lifetime thoughts and 42% in the past year. The study highlights the need for safe storage policies and suicide risk screening during firearm purchases.
A new study by a criminology professor reveals an uptick in homicides and threats of gun violence since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Victim advocates reported increased frequency of gun-related abuse, with nearly half stating threats became more frequent during this time.
A study by a researcher at American University found that Massachusetts gun-control legislation had no immediate impact on reducing four types of violent crime, including murder, aggravated assault, and robbery. The study suggests that lawmakers should revisit their legislation to ensure it is being implemented as intended.
A new study found that US gun violence increased by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 28 states experiencing significantly higher numbers of shootings. The researchers attribute this increase to added stress, worry, and fear, as well as increased access to firearms.
A study found that gun violence rates in the US increased by 31.2% during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period. The authors speculate that increased access to firearms and depressive symptoms may be contributing factors.
A cross-sectional study found a correlation between rural geography and easy access to handguns, leading to higher risks of suicidality among Colorado teenagers. The findings can inform the allocation of educational firearm safety and suicide prevention resources in the state.
Children exposed to neighborhood gun violence have higher rates of mental health-related emergency department visits, according to a new study. The research found that those living within a few blocks of a shooting had increased odds of such visits in the two months following the incident.
Children exposed to gun violence within a four-block radius are more likely to experience mental health distress, with symptoms appearing days after the incident. Researchers recommend reducing community violence through safe storage and background check laws, as well as providing preventive support for affected families.
The American College of Surgeons surveyed its members on firearm safety, with strong consensus for policy initiatives and safe storage. Most respondents support preventing people with serious mental illness from buying firearms and cracking down on illegal sales.
A study examining ERPO use in Oregon found that these laws are commonly considered as a tool to remove guns from dangerous individuals, but should also be used to prevent gun purchases by those at risk. Most ERPO petitions were filed by law enforcement or reported histories of interpersonal violence or suicidality.
A new study reveals that two-thirds of Californians have never heard of gun violence restraining orders, despite being available for five years. Most respondents, including gun owners, would be willing to use a GVRO if a family member was at risk of causing harm.
A new study by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that most US states have passed laws preserving state authority over firearms policies. The vast majority of these states use preemption to support gun rights and remove communities' authority to enact gun control protections.
The Pediatric Policy Council explored the role of public health research in iterative policymaking to reduce gun violence in America. Gun violence has made headlines routinely, affecting young people and their families, and impacting local communities through daily occurrences.
The American College of Physicians suggests that physicians should educate patients about firearm safety, act locally against the NRA, and lobby for sensible firearm injury prevention laws. The editorial highlights the need for action after mass shootings, despite a decline in overall gun violence in 2020.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center found that the proportion of gun violence in US TV dramas increased between 2000 and 2018, mirroring real-life gun homicide trends among youths. The study suggests a potential link between media gun violence and real-life gun use for violent purposes.
Research by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that gun violence on popular prime-time TV dramas doubled from 2000 to 2018, with gun use substantially increasing and rising significantly as a proportion of the violence depicted in the shows. This trend parallels the rise in U.S. homicide deaths attributable to firearms.
A Rutgers-led study found that states with more gun laws have lower rates of youths carrying guns. The study attributed this phenomenon to increased safety in schools and urban areas in states with more stringent laws.
A study by UC Davis VPRP found that 4% of California adults experienced violence, leading to severe distress and social problems. Firearm involvement in violent events was associated with increased socioemotional consequences, including higher levels of perceived threat and reduced social functioning.
Military personnel who receive lethal means counseling and a cable lock are more likely to use a gun safe and unload firearms before storing, according to a Rutgers study. The combination of these interventions resulted in greater adoption of safe storage methods, reducing the risk of military suicide.
A new study reveals an average of 120,232 firearm injuries per year in the US, with nonfatal cases being twice as prevalent as deaths. The research highlights the need for effective prevention strategies beyond just addressing fatal injuries.
Researchers found that active shooter drills can cause emotional distress and uncertainty among students, highlighting the need for evidence-based strategies. Social-emotional learning programs and a safe, supportive environment are key to reducing gun violence in schools, according to West Virginia University Professor Keith Zullig.
Gun violence patients made up nearly 23% of trauma hospitalizations during the 2020 stay-at-home order, a significant increase from previous years. Trauma cases overall dropped by half during this time, but gun violence remained a major concern, disproportionately affecting people of color.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that news reports place disproportionate emphasis on fatal and multiple shootings, while underreporting common victims. The researchers believe this could affect public perception of gun violence and shape policy decisions.
A study found that nearly 16% of LGBT adults in California own a gun or live with one, often for protection. This increases their likelihood of victimization, including suicide. The research highlights the need for unique gun violence prevention strategies targeting the LGBT community.
A new study by UC Davis Health finds that gun owners and those living with gun owners are less worried about firearm injuries than non-gun owners. The researchers suggest that effective communications strategies can improve firearm safety in the same way as public health messaging has reduced disease and injury.
A new study found that firearm purchases increase after mass shootings primarily driven by concern over regulation rather than perceived need for protection. The researchers used data science to analyze spatio-temporal data from all US states and determined causation behind the correlation.
A majority of US gun owners support measures such as universal background checks, permit requirements, and prohibitions for individuals with domestic violence restraining orders. However, most report not vocally supporting these policies due to feelings of disrespect by health advocates.
A new study finds that higher levels of gun ownership increase the likelihood of mass shootings, while permissive concealed carry policies significantly increase firearms homicides. The researcher proposes a two-pronged approach to combat both types of gun violence.
A Rutgers University study found that military personnel at risk of suicide are more likely to store firearms in unlocked cabinets, increasing access to them. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe firearm storage as a suicide prevention strategy.
The RAND Corporation's latest study found that child-access prevention laws reduce self-inflicted fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries among young people. Stand-your-ground laws are associated with increases in firearm homicides, while waiting periods may reduce firearm suicides.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that around 100,000 convicted felons in the US may still possess firearms, with California being the only state to enforce a recovery program. The researchers estimate this number is based on data from the Armed and Prohibited Persons System database.
A new study reveals that properly designed and maintained green space can reduce violent crime and gun violence. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 papers to identify patterns that inform public policy and urban design. The findings suggest that greening interventions at the urban level can significantly reduce violent crime.