NCJ Number
209395
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2002 Pages: 14-32
Date Published
January 2002
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between weapon ownership and violent acts in a cohort sample of Swiss males.
Abstract
Previous research has suggested a possible causal relationship between access to guns and violence. The current study drew on questionnaire data from 21,314 20-year-old Swiss males serving in the Swiss Army to assess the relationship between weapon ownership and violence. Variables under examination included possession of weapons, self-reported violence, self-reported contacts with the criminal justice system, victimization, and psychiatric symptoms. Results of bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that owning weapons may play a casual role in violence. A higher prevalence of psychiatric symptoms was observed among gun owners and a significant proportion of gun owners had previous contact with the criminal justice system. Finally, the ownership of guns and other weapons was a significant predictor of violence leading to bodily injury. The findings suggest the need for stricter policies on access to and ownership of guns. Tables, note, references