(Newswire.net — March 29, 2023) — When it comes to gun violence, the United States stands out among developed countries. According to data from the Small Arms Survey, the United States has the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in the world, with an estimated 120.5 guns per 100 residents. However, high rates of gun ownership also correlate with high rates of gun violence. In 2019, there were nearly 40,000 gun-related deaths in the United States. Of these, over 60% were the result of suicide, while the rest were homicides or accidents.
Compared to other developed countries, the United States experiences a much higher rate of gun-related deaths and injuries. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany all have much lower rates of gun-related deaths, with a combined population of over 240 million people experiencing fewer gun-related deaths than the United States, which has a population of around 330 million.
Suicide:
One area where the United States stands out is in gun-related suicides. Over 23,000 gun-related deaths in the United States in 2019 were the result of suicide. In contrast, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the European Union have much lower rates of gun-related suicides. In these countries, suicide rates are much lower overall, and gun-related suicides are a much smaller portion of total suicides.
In the European Union, there were 3,814 firearm-related deaths in 2019. Of these, 1,120 were homicides and 2,176 were suicides. The remaining deaths were due to accidents or undetermined causes. These numbers represent a firearm homicide rate of 0.2 per 100,000 inhabitants and a firearm suicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is significantly lower than the United States, where the firearm suicide rate is 6.9 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Mass shootings:
The United States also experiences a much higher number of mass shootings compared to other developed countries. In 2019, the United States had 417 mass shootings, while Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the European Union combined had only 27. The frequency and severity of mass shootings in the United States is a topic of ongoing debate and concern.
Murders:
In terms of homicides, the United States also has a much higher rate of gun-related murders compared to other developed countries. In 2019, there were over 10,000 gun-related homicides in the United States. In Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the European Union, the homicide rates were significantly lower, ranging from 0.5 to 0.9 per 100,000 people.
Gun Ownership:
One factor that may contribute to the higher rates of gun violence in the United States compared to other developed countries is the higher rate of gun ownership. While the United States has the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in the world, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the European Union have rates of gun ownership ranging from 22.7 to 34.7 guns per 100 residents. However, gun ownership is also high in Mexico, despite strict gun control laws.
Gun Laws:
Another significant factor that contributes to the differences in gun violence between countries is the level of gun control legislation. In the United States, gun laws vary significantly between states, with some states having very permissive laws that make it easy to obtain firearms, while others have stricter laws that regulate the sale and possession of guns.
Gun control laws vary significantly between countries, and these laws have a significant impact on rates of gun-related deaths and injuries. In the United States, gun laws are largely determined at the state level, with some states having very permissive laws that make it easy to obtain firearms, while others have stricter laws that regulate the sale and possession of guns. In Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the European Union, there are much stricter gun control laws that regulate the sale and possession of firearms, and require background checks and licensing for gun owners.
Licensing:
In Canada, firearms ownership is tightly controlled through a system of licensing. Anyone who wishes to own a firearm must apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), which requires passing a safety training course, undergoing a background check, and providing personal references. Once licensed, gun owners must register their firearms with the government, and there are restrictions on the types of firearms that can be owned.
In the United Kingdom, anyone who wishes to own a firearm must apply for a certificate from the police, which requires passing a background check and demonstrating a legitimate need for the firearm, such as for hunting or target shooting. Gun owners must also keep their firearms securely stored and can be subject to unannounced visits from police to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Background Checks:
In Australia, anyone who wishes to purchase a firearm must first undergo a background check, which includes a criminal record check, a check for restraining orders or mental health issues, and a waiting period of up to 28 days. In addition, certain types of firearms, such as automatic and semi-automatic weapons, are prohibited.
In Germany, firearms ownership is also tightly regulated, with strict background checks required for all applicants. Applicants must also demonstrate a legitimate need for the firearm, such as for hunting or sport shooting. Firearms are also subject to strict storage requirements, and there are restrictions on the types of firearms that can be owned.
Types of Guns:
In the European Union, there are strict rules governing the types of firearms that can be owned by civilians. Semi-automatic and automatic firearms are largely prohibited, and only certain types of firearms, such as hunting rifles, can be owned. In addition, ammunition purchases are tightly controlled, and there are limits on the number of firearms that an individual can own.
In the United States, the types of firearms that are prohibited vary by state, but there are no federal laws banning specific types of firearms. However, certain categories of firearms, such as machine guns and sawed-off shotguns, are illegal under federal law. In addition, some states have implemented bans on certain types of firearms, such as assault rifles.
It’s worth noting that despite the differences in gun laws between countries, some countries still experience gun violence. In Mexico, for example, there are strict gun control laws, including a ban on civilian ownership of automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. However, Mexico has one of the highest rates of gun-related deaths in the world, with much of the violence stemming from drug cartels and organized crime.
One issue that often arises in discussions of gun control laws is the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. Some argue that any attempt to regulate firearms is an infringement on this right. However, the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of certain gun control laws, such as bans on certain types of firearms and requirements for background checks.
Despite the ongoing debate over gun control laws, there is evidence to suggest that stricter laws can help reduce rates of gun violence. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that states with stricter gun laws had lower rates of gun-related deaths, including homicides and suicides. Another study published in the International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences found that stricter gun laws in Australia led to a significant decrease in firearm-related deaths, including mass shootings.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed data from all 50 states between 2007 and 2010, and found that states with the strictest gun laws had lower rates of gun-related deaths compared to those with the most permissive laws. Specifically, the study found that states with laws requiring background checks for all gun sales, as well as laws prohibiting high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, had lower rates of firearm-related deaths, including homicides and suicides.
Similarly, the study published in the International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences examined the impact of the 1996 National Firearms Agreement in Australia, which implemented strict gun control laws following a mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania. The study found that the implementation of the new laws led to a significant decrease in firearm-related deaths, including suicides and mass shootings.
These findings suggest that stricter gun laws can be effective in reducing rates of gun violence. However, it is important to note that the impact of gun control laws may vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific laws being implemented, the cultural attitudes towards firearms in a given country or region, and the prevalence of illegal firearms.
Additionally, some argue that focusing solely on gun control laws may not be enough to address the root causes of gun violence, which may include issues such as poverty, mental health, and access to education and job opportunities. A comprehensive approach that addresses these underlying issues, as well as implements effective gun control measures, may be necessary to effectively reduce rates of gun violence.
Conclusion:
While there is ongoing debate over the efficacy and legality of gun control laws, there is evidence to suggest that stricter laws can help reduce rates of gun-related deaths and injuries. The studies cited here provide support for the effectiveness of laws such as background checks, restrictions on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and licensing requirements. However, it is important to continue evaluating the impact of these laws and implementing a comprehensive approach to reducing rates of gun violence.
Citations and further reading:
Small Arms Survey (2018) “Estimating Global Civilian Held Firearms Numbers,” available at: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/H-Research_Notes/SAS-Research-Note-64.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021) “Fatal Injury Data,” available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20210331.htm
Gun Violence Archive (2021) “Mass Shooting Tracker,” available at: https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2021) “Global Study on Homicide,” available at: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/global-study-on-homicide.html
GunPolicy.org (2021) “Gun Ownership,” available at: https://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region
Amnesty International (2021) “Gun Control: What Works,” available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/gun-control-what-works/