Articles tagged with Gun Violence
A recent study found that nearly a third of US adults own guns, with a higher prevalence among white married men over 55. Gun ownership is also linked to social gun culture, where family or friends also own guns or engage in activities involving firearms.
The article discusses the impact of mass shootings on individuals and communities, highlighting the need for proactive strategies to prevent gun violence. Commentaries from experts offer scientifically grounded solutions, including threat assessment strategies and community-based approaches to address fear and distrust.
A new report suggests that gun violence restraining orders can be a promising strategy for reducing firearm homicide and suicide in the US. GVROs allow family members or intimate partners to request an order from a civil court, authorizing law enforcement to remove guns from the individual's possession and prohibiting new purchases.
A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found that rates of eye injuries from air guns increased by 511% between 2010 and 2012, with most cases occurring among minors. The authors suggest regulations and stricter marketing guidelines to prevent these preventable injuries.
A survey of Massachusetts police chiefs found that 90% favor keeping discretion in issuing concealed carry permits, citing the need for local knowledge to ensure public safety. Police chiefs reported rare discretionary denials, often due to violent behavior or mental health issues.
A study found that approximately 9% of adults in the US have a history of impulsive angry behavior and own or have access to firearms, with young middle-aged men being more likely to carry guns outside their homes.
The authors emphasize the need for national policies like background checks and restricting access to firearms by individuals with violent misdemeanor convictions or addiction histories. They also highlight the importance of assessing firearm risk in patients and acting on it, especially when mental illness is present.
The American College of Physicians and seven national health organizations, along with the American Bar Association, urge policymakers to implement measures reducing firearm-related harm. The organizations support a public health approach to address firearm injuries and fatalities.
Eight health professional organizations and the American Bar Association recommend reducing firearm-related injuries and death in the US through public health approaches. They advocate for criminal background checks, improved access to mental health care, and research into firearm violence causes.
A Yale University study reveals that strong neighborhood ties can shield community members from gun violence, reducing chronic trauma and stress. Community-based participatory research empowered 17 community members to gather data, showing a connection between social bonds and reduced exposure to gun violence.
A new study found that states with higher gun ownership rates experience a higher incidence of non-stranger firearms homicides, contradicting the claim that gun ownership deters violent crime. The study also found no significant relationship between gun ownership and stranger-on-stranger homicide rates.
Researchers analyzed recorded gun deaths in the US from 2000 to 2010, finding a significant disparity between racial groups. Gun deaths were twice as common among African-Americans as they were among white citizens, with rates rising in some states and falling in others.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates the feasibility of using low-cost wearable inertial sensors to detect firearm usage with over 99% accuracy. The technology has the potential to enhance deterrence and detection of firearm use in community-supervised populations.
Researchers found that mass murderers with mental health problems are not typical of those who commit violent crimes, and most people with serious mental illness do not engage in violent acts. An evidence-based approach to limiting access to firearms for individuals with behavioral risk factors can reduce gun violence.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Missouri's 2007 handgun purchaser licensing law repeal contributed to a fourteen percent increase in the state's murder rate. The repeal was also associated with an additional 49 to 68 murders per year and a twenty-five percent increase in firearm homicides rates.
A Yale University study reveals that a person's social network is a key predictor of becoming a victim of gun homicide, even more so than race, age, gender, or poverty. The research found that individuals within the same social network are more likely to engage in similar risky behaviors.
A new study found that gun use in PG-13 movies has more than tripled since 1985, with an average of 700 segments featuring gun violence per film. The increased gun violence is concerning because it may be strengthening the 'weapons effect', where people become more aggressive after seeing a gun.
A new study published in PLoS One found a strong association between racism and gun ownership among white Americans. The research also revealed that those who oppose gun control tend to have stronger racial biases, are more conservative, and live in southern states.
Approximately 7,500 children are hospitalized each year due to gun-related injuries, with over 500 fatalities. A significant association was found between household firearm ownership and the percentage of gunshot wounds occurring in homes.
A Mayo Clinic psychiatrist argues that mass shootings are carefully planned and can be executed within a short time frame, making it difficult to restrict access to firearms for the mentally ill. The expert suggests that gun restriction among suicidal people works, but not necessarily in cases of mass shootings.
AUC Davis survey of 1,601 gun dealers found nearly unanimous support for denying gun purchases to individuals with prior convictions and serious mental illness. The survey also revealed strong support for existing policies denying handgun purchases to individuals convicted of aggravated assault or domestic violence.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers finds a robust correlation between estimated levels of gun ownership and actual gun homicides at the state level. The study, covering 30 years, found that each 1 percentage point increase in gun ownership is associated with a 0.9% increase in firearm homicide rate.
Research found a modest increase in publications on firearms among children and adolescents, but not as significant as expected. The study suggests that the Congressional action in 1996 may have led to increased funding for research on other causes of death.
A UC Irvine team measures how to best prevent bullet deaths by designing parameters for gun control. They found that reduced legal gun availability lowers domestic and one-on-one crime deaths, but armed citizens may save lives in rare mass shootings if trained to avoid accidentally shooting fleeing bystanders.
A new study by the University of Michigan Injury Center found that nearly one in four young assault victims have a gun, mostly obtained illegally, which increases their risk for future firearm violence. The study also revealed high rates of substance use, fighting, and attitudes favoring retaliation among those with guns.
The US Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for primary open-angle glaucoma. Two commentaries explore the physician's role in preventing gun violence, including the importance of discussing guns with elderly patients and advocating for mental health treatment.
A symposium at a pediatric meeting will address how to protect youths from violence, with speakers discussing screen violence and aggression, violent media, guns and suicide, and community efforts to prevent gun violence. The event aims to translate research findings into actionable public health strategies.
A new study published in JAMA found that 129 out of 6,920 injured children suffered gunshot wounds, with 14% accessing unlocked, loaded guns. The study highlights the importance of storing firearms safely to prevent child deaths and injuries.
A UC Davis survey of over 1,600 gun retailers found that they frequently encounter and refuse attempts to make illegal purchases, but often fail to report them to law enforcement. Retailers support harsh sentences for both buyers and sellers involved in illicit activities.
Public health experts at Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research emphasize the need for evidence-based policies to prevent gun violence. Physicians are urged to engage in prevention efforts through strategies such as discussing guns with patients and advocating for change in Congress.
Experts recommend physicians engage in gun policy dialogue, leveraging their skills in managing fears and providing mental health treatment. They can influence Congress through collective advocacy and lead by example.
A majority of Americans (89%) support requiring universal background checks for all gun sales, while 83% back prohibiting high-risk individuals from owning guns. Gun owners and non-gun-owners show little difference in support for most policies aimed at reducing gun violence.
Experts urge a broad public health strategy to reduce US gun violence, drawing on evidence-based strategies from other public health threats. The authors suggest over a dozen recommendations, including taxes, smart guns, and education, to address the root causes of gun violence.
Garen Wintemute believes broader background checks and denials on gun purchases can reduce harm and ensure public safety. He cites research showing that individuals with a history of misdemeanor violent crime are nine times more likely to be arrested for violence later.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report highlights policies and initiatives to reduce gun violence by reforming current gun laws. The key findings include easy access to large-capacity magazines facilitating higher casualties in mass shootings and prohibiting high-risk groups from owning guns.
A Mayo Clinic psychiatrist proposes four steps to curb military suicide: gun locks, improved depression care, better sleep monitoring, and more. The expert emphasizes the need for ongoing resources to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric illnesses among service members.
A new nationwide study by UC Davis examines mortality rates and epidemiological aspects of stray-bullet shootings, finding that most victims were unaware of the events leading to their injuries. The study reveals that nearly one-third of victims were children and nearly half were female.
Studies found that stun gun use increases citizen injuries by 41% when solo and 47% when paired with other force methods, but officer safety is also heightened
A new study published in Communication Research found that playing violent shooting video games improves firing accuracy and influences players to aim for the head when using a real gun. Players who played violent games hit targets 33% more often and shot at the head 99% more frequently.
A Michigan State University study found that citizens are injured 41% of the time when stun guns are used during apprehension, compared to 29% without stun gun use. Meanwhile, officers are injured only 5% with stun guns, but nearly 10% without.
Researchers found that exposure to alcohol-related images can lead to increased expression of racial bias on a subconscious level. Participants who viewed these ads made more errors indicative of racial bias in a subsequent task than those who viewed non-alcoholic beverage ads.
Researchers at Brigham Young University found that carrying guns in bear encounters offers no protection and can lead to increased injuries. Instead, they recommend using bear spray as a safe alternative. The study analyzed 269 incidents of bear-human conflicts and found that firearms did not reduce the risk of injury or fatality.
A Florida law barring doctors from discussing firearms safety with patients and parents endangers open communication about a critical public health issue. Gunshot wounds are a leading cause of pediatric trauma, and safe storage of firearms is crucial in preventing injuries and deaths.
A study by University of Utah neuroscientists found that higher altitudes significantly increase the risk of suicide in the Western US. The research suggests that altitude may contribute to metabolic stress associated with mood disorders, particularly in areas with high gun ownership and low population density.
Young victims under age 15 account for over three-quarters of firearm accident fatalities, with most shots fired by a friend, relative, or acquaintance. The study highlights the need for gun safety measures to reduce unintentional shootings among youths.
A recent study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that possessing a gun during an assault increases the risk of being shot, rather than protecting against it. The study estimated that individuals with a gun were 4.5 times more likely to be shot in an assault compared to those without a gun.
A new case report suggests stun guns can cause seizures, particularly when shots are fired at the head. The study analyzed an incident where a police officer was mistakenly hit by a taser and experienced severe symptoms, including mild traumatic brain injury.
Heavy drinking near off-premise outlets increases gun violence risk, study finds. Reducing outlet density and server training may help reduce gun violence.
A new study found that California law enforcement agencies experienced a significant increase in sudden deaths and firearm-related deaths after deploying Tasers, contradicting industry claims. The rates of sudden death increased six-fold, while firearm-related deaths rose by two-fold.
A new study reveals that most young violent offenders in two NYC neighborhoods have seen someone die in a violent incident, highlighting the impact of lifelong exposure to violence on their behavior. The study also found that these youth often cite trauma and lack of feeling safe as reasons for their actions.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health suggest a broader approach to treating potentially suicidal individuals, addressing not only mental illness but also access to lethal means. This population-based approach recognizes that the physical environment can have a profound effect on the likelihood of completed suicide.
A groundbreaking study published in Injury Prevention found that California's tight gun show regulations significantly reduced undocumented gun sales and 'straw' purchases outside of the state. The research, led by UC Davis director Garen Wintemute, observed increased regulation without affecting attendance or business at gun shows.
A study in Injury Prevention reveals California's tougher gun show controls have drastically reduced the sale of firearms linked to crimes. The stricter regulations have also limited the availability of assault-style weapons and banned certain types of rifles and handguns.
A Harvard study found that households with guns have significantly higher rates of suicide, especially among children and women. Removing firearms from the home or securely locking them up can help reduce suicide risk.
The study found that the number of firearm-related deaths dropped by at least 6% after the law took effect, with a decrease in average annual suicides from 491 to 246. The legislation also led to a significant decline in homicides and overall homicide rates fell by almost 2.5% per year.
A study published in Evaluation Review highlights the dangers of firearms in intimate partner violence cases, with women twice as likely to die from gunshot wounds inflicted by male intimates. The research explores potential solutions such as restraining orders, gun removal, and denial of gun purchases to intimate partner abusers.
A UC Davis study found that one percent of California retailers sell 40% of guns used in crimes. The research highlights the importance of targeting problem retailers to prevent gun violence. The study's findings also suggest that law enforcement can better allocate resources by focusing on these retailers.
A new study suggests that men and women have different perceptions of gun ownership and storage practices, with men more likely to own guns and be responsible for storing them. The research emphasizes the importance of providing gun safety counseling in various settings, including hardware stores, workplaces, and sporting events.
A five-year study involving over 1,500 children and teenagers found that witnessing gun violence doubles the risk of violent behavior. The research suggests that exposure to violence can be viewed as an infectious disease, with one in every two teens who witness violence committing a violent act.
A new study by University of Michigan researcher Jeffrey B. Bingenheimer found that adolescents exposed to gun violence are nearly four times as likely to perpetrate violence over the next two years. The study used propensity stratification to simulate randomization and controlled for demographic, socioeconomic, and temperamental factors.