Do strong gun laws actually prevent and/or reduce gun violence? Center for American Progress conducted a study to understand the factors that contribute to gun violence. Here’s what we know:
- Persistent social and economic issues, such as poverty and damaged police-civilian relations contribute to violence within a community.
- Daily gun-violence disproportionately affects communities of color.
- 2/3 of gun deaths are the result of suicide, which raises questions surrounding gun accessibility and it’s contribution to these high suicide rates.
Research conducted by the Center for American Progress in 2013 demonstrated an undeniable correlation between the strength of a state’s gun laws and the rates of gun deaths. This study found that states with stronger gun laws saw lower rates of gun-related deaths than those with weak laws. Everytown For Gun Safety conducted a study indicating that states that implemented universal background checks for all hand gun sales saw lower rates of intimate partner gun homicides of women, law-enforcement officers killed by hand guns, and gun-related suicide.
After revisiting the 2013 study, Center for American Progress researchers were able to rank states based on 10 key indicators of gun violence. The key difference between states with high rankings and those with low rankings is clear: Stronger gun laws are significantly linked lower rates of gun violence. This relationship can not be ignored.
We need to ask our Legislators to look at the evidence, and make the right choice. Stronger gun laws can and will lead to a safer Nation.
To read the report in it’s entirety, click HERE.