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Military service members who hide their suicidal thoughts are more likely to store their firearms unsafely

A Rutgers study found that military service members who hide their suicidal thoughts and avoid behavioral health care tend to store their firearms unsafely. Those with undisclosed past year suicidal thoughts stored their firearms at home more often and with a locking device in place less often.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2023

In some US zip codes, young men face more risk of firearm death than those deployed in recent wars

A study by Brown University researchers found that young men in US zip codes with high firearm violence faced significantly higher risks of firearm-related deaths and injuries compared to military personnel serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. The risk was particularly borne by minority racial and ethnic groups.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2022

Warm days are contributing to gun violence surge across the US

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of Washington School of Social Work found a consistent relationship between higher temperatures and higher risk of shootings in 100 of the country's most populated cities. Nearly seven percent of shootings can be attributed to above-average daily temperatures.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2022

LSU Health New Orleans study reveals economic burden of gun violence

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine estimates the economic burden of acute firearm injuries at a Level I Trauma Center in New Orleans, resulting in a net loss of $20.3 million over four years. The study highlights the significant financial impact of gun violence on healthcare systems and society.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

Military law enforcement key to convincing service members to safely store firearms

A Rutgers study suggests that messages on safe firearm storage delivered by military law enforcement are more effective in persuading service members to adopt safe storage practices. The study found that participants responded positively to visual messages voiced by security forces, particularly with respect to using locking devices.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Review of evaluations of project safe neighborhoods programs identifies gaps in literature, generally favorable outcomes

The study found that PSN programs had a statistically significant impact on reducing crime, with focused deterrence strategies being a favored approach. However, there were geographical gaps in the studies reviewed, and the researchers identified areas for future evaluators to consider.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Evaluation Journal·DateSep 6, 2022

Past and present racism linked to excess nonfatal shootings in Baltimore’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods

A new study links historic redlining and ongoing segregation by race and income to a higher rate of nonfatal shootings in Baltimore's most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The researchers found that doubly disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced 24 more nonfatal shootings per 10,000 residents compared to sustainably advantaged neighborhoods.

Child deaths by gun violence during pandemic

The study suggests that COVID-19's direct mortality effects on children may be comparable to the magnitude of indirect outcomes from gun violence. The authors noted a possible increase in gun-related deaths among children due to factors like psychological and economic strain during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 4, 2022

New in The Permanente Journal: Expert panel discusses gun violence and mass shootings as a public health priority

The Permanente Journal's latest issue features an expert panel discussion on the factors leading to mass shootings in America and the importance of hospital preparedness. The conversation highlights warning behaviors, access to guns, and the need for a strong infrastructure to address gun violence.

SourceThe Permanente Federation·JournalThe Permanente Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 3, 2022

US youth firearm mortality increases over the past decade; trends differ significantly across states

A study published in American Journal of Medicine Open found that gun death rates among US children increased by 30% from 2010 to 2019. States with stronger gun control laws, such as New York and California, saw a decrease in youth firearm mortality rates, suggesting that policies can impact the epidemic of youth suicides.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Medicine Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2022

California’s ‘red flag’ law utilized for 58 threatened mass shootings

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Prevention·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2022

Over 70% of mass shootings in developed countries happen in the US, international analysis shows

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2022

Study finds link between dropping permit requirement for carrying concealed weapons and increase in officer-involved shootings with civilian victims

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 11, 2022

BU study: racial disparities in child exposure to gun violence worsened

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.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 5, 2022

Researchers find patterns of handgun carrying among youth in rural areas, building foundation for injury prevention

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 31, 2022

A news media outlet’s perceived credibility can affect how gun violence headlines are received

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Communication·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 21, 2022

Many firearm buyers and sellers do not comply with assault weapons bans

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 ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 7, 2022

Most older adults support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, study shows

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2022

Special Issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines effects of COVID-19 on the criminal justice system

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateDec 2, 2021

Survey of gun policy experts finds wide disagreement remains

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.

SourceRAND Corporation·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2021

Who bought firearms during 2020 purchasing surge?

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2021

Study finds correlation between rural geography and access to handguns, suicidality among Colorado teenagers

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

Gun violence exposure associated with higher rates of mental health-related ED visits by children

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

In Oregon, new gun violence restraining orders appear to be used as intended, but could be used more proactively

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateJun 7, 2021