Gun violence and crime

Police tape across broken glass with bullet holes

Gun violence affects society in many ways, including higher medical costs, reductions in quality of life because of fear of gun violence, and stresses on the criminal justice system. The United States has the highest rate of gun-related injuries among developed countries, as well as the highest rate of gun ownership.

Psychologists and other public health scientists are working to develop effective methods to reduce gun violence.

From Gun violence prevention

Resources from APA

APA resources for coping with mass shootings, understanding gun violence

See research on gun violence and learn how to help people in an emotional crisis.

Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting

You may be struggling to understand how a shooting rampage could take place and why such a terrible thing would happen.

Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting

As a parent, you may be struggling with how to talk with your children about recent tragedies in Australia and the U.S.

crime scene with caution tape reading “police line do not cross”

Gun violence: Prediction, prevention, and policy

This report reviews research-based evidence on the causes of gun violence, including homicide, suicide, and school shootings.

Do active shooter drills make students safer?

Lockdown drills may boost confidence, but hyperrealistic drills risk trauma and fear

Navigating firearm safety discussions in clinical settings

How respectful, values-based conversations help patients stay safe

Can we prevent school shootings?

Dewey Cornell, PhD, discusses how schools can respond when faced with a potential threat

Individual, Collective, and Intergenerational Trauma Recovery

Traumatic incidents can be experienced directly and vicariously, and responses can be acute and long-lasting, discrete and complex.

More resources about gun violence and crime

What APA is doing

Gun violence protest showing signs reading

Advocacy

Gun violence prevention

APA Services advocates for a public health approach to gun violence prevention, supporting evidence-based programs and policies that can reduce the occurrence and impact of firearm-related violence in the United States.

Offices

Violence Prevention Office

The Violence Prevention Office is responsible for disseminating research-based knowledge and information on violence and injury prevention.

Divisions

Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues

Division 9: Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues seeks to bring theory and practice into focus on human problems of the group, the community, and nations.