The vast majority of gun violence in the United States is committed by males between ages 18 and 34. Yet, the vast majority of males in that age range do not commit violent crimes. The vast majority of gun owners also do not commit crimes of any sort. They are even less likely to commit violent crimes.
Yet, gun violence is a growing and highly publiciezed problem with many seeking solutions. Turns out, there are lots of answers, and a general ban of guns of any sort is not part of the solution.
A study published in the October issue of Health Affairs says firearms violence rose rapidly in recent years, but solutions mostly are local. The report says the rate of deaths from firearms rose 14 percent from 2015 through 2017. The researchers reported 612,310 deaths from injuries caused by firearms over a 19-year period ranging from 1999 through 2017. Most of those deaths – about 60 percent, were self-inflicted suicides. The rest were a combination of intentional shootings, accidental shootings, and firearms deaths with unknown causes. About 123,000 of those deaths – 20 percent – happened during the three-year period of 2015-2017. Most states, though, saw more than a 20 percent increase in firearms deaths during those same three years, the study says.
Four states and the District of Columbia reported reductions in firearms violence. California and New York, with their highly restrictive state gun laws, reported declines. But, so did Nevada, which is a CCW state, and neighboring Arizona, which is a constitutional carry state. Two of the four states have restrictive gun laws. Two enable greater access to firearms, including one where permits are not needed to carry concealed. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Washington D.C.’s unconstitutional ban on handgun ownership years ago. Yet, it posted a reduction in gun violence that bucked the national trend.
Demographically, the study shows the death rate among males rose much faster than among females. But even among males, Hispanic males posted reductions in firearms mortality, while the rate rose significantly among white and black males. With such differences among demographics, a federal solution is unlikely.
The study says the solution is local, not national, and is multifaceted. It requires evidence-based solutions, rather than knee-jerk legislation or politically motivated policy.
Affirming that notion is an earlier study by the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA says the “most consistent and powerful predictor of future violence is a history of violent behavior,” with the risk rising the more frequently the incidents happen earlier in life. Family, school and peer influences also can lead toward violent behavior.
The APA says prevention efforts that are based on research on developmental can reduce the chances of firearms being used in family or community conflicts or during criminal activity. Prevention efforts that better identify potential risks and address them at the local level by using the skills and knowledge of psychologists are needed, the APA says. Those skills and knowledge could use an evidence-based approach to better identify more specific risks and potential threats of violence. Doing so would provide long-term solutions to rising gun violence without eroding the Second Amendment.
