NCJ Number
191355
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 43 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 429-448
Date Published
October 2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This research is based on data on gun availability in private households collected through the international victimization surveys of 1989, 1992, and 1996, as well as World Health Organization data on homicide and suicide from 21 countries.
Abstract
This research updates and extends former research conducted on this issue, based on the surveys of 1989 and 1992. In addition, data from the International Crime Victimization Surveys were used on total and gun-related robbery and assault (including threats). The results show strong correlations between the presence of guns in the home and suicide committed with a gun, rates of gun-related homicide that involved female victims, and gun-related assault. The profile is different for male homicides, total rates of assault, and generally, for robbery (committed with or without a gun). With the exception of robbery, most correlations were similar or stronger when all types of guns were considered, rather than handguns alone. No significant correlations with total suicide or homicide rates were found, leaving open the issue of possible substitution effects. The study concluded that guns in the home were an important risk factor in suicide with guns, as well as a threat to women, especially female partners; whereas, guns' role in homicide of male victims and street crime (such as robbery) were much less prominent. Also, the usual focus on handguns may lead to underestimates of the role of other types of guns. 3 tables, 2 notes, and 30 references