Emily Yang (10) | STAFF REPORTER
As the country with the highest rate of gun violence and deaths in the world, the United States is often torn between those wanting to implement stricter gun control measures and those who claim its ineffectiveness. This article aims to reflect upon the dilemma: are stricter gun control measures effective, and will they reduce violence in the United States?
To begin, one of the major influences in firearm violence and casualties rates are suicides and homicides in the United States. In a study by the American Journal of Public Health, it was found that in U.S states with stricter gun control laws, such as in Hawaii, firearm suicides decreased to 14% after stronger and detailed background checks were operated. This change was further supported by the implementation of waiting periods, which had a moderate reduction in homicide rates as well.
Furthermore in states such as New York and California, it was found that the prohibition of an individual with restraining orders or domestic violence convictions to firearm access significantly lowered the risks of intimate partner violence. Laws such as the 1994 Violence Against Women Act saw almost a 40% reduction in intimate partner homicides, reflecting the potential of stricter gun control measures.
Not only so, but it was observed by the American Journal of Public Health that state laws regarding gun control directly correlate to the rate of gun violence in the United States. In states where officials have taken action in passing strict gun safety laws, a correlated, low gun violence rate was reported.
This relationship is most evident when contrasting strict gun control states such as Illinois and Massachusetts with low control states such as South Dakota and Idaho, where gun deaths are two and a half times higher.
In conclusion, stricter gun control measures have a definite, influential impact on reducing violence in the United States. Laws such as the 1994 Violence against Women Act and mandated background checks proved to show a significant reduction in both firearm violence and homicide rates in the country, strengthened by state statistics that showed a direct correlation between gun control measures and violence rates in the United States.
Sources:
“Gun Safety Policies Save Lives.” Everytown Research & Policy, 21 Jan. 2025, everytownresearch.org/rankings/.
“Gun Violence: Prediction, Prevention, and Policy.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/pubs/reports/gun-violence-prevention.
What Science Tells Us about the Effects of Gun Policies | Rand, www.rand.org/research/gun-policy/key-findings/what-science-tells-us-about-the-effects-of-gun-policies.html.
