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.
Research on gun violence
- Resolution on Firearm Violence Research and Prevention
The APA Council of Representatives, at its February 2014 meeting, adopted the Resolution on Firearm Violence Research and Prevention to reflect current knowledge on gun violence research and prevention, to inform the field, and to provide a strong foundation for APA federal advocacy efforts. - Gun Violence: Prediction, Prevention and Policy
Major APA study emphasizes the role of healthy early development and access to mental health services for those who need it. - Firearms And Violence: A Critical Reviewopens in new window
Committee to Improve Research Information and Data on Firearms, Committee on Law and Justice, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council of the National Academies. - Priorities for a Public Health Research Agenda to Reduce the Threat of Firearm-Related Violence
Institutes of Medicine of the National Academies Executive Office, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.
What can you do?
- Educate yourself about gun violence by reading the APA Resolution on Firearm Research and Prevention and the APA Panel of Experts Report, Gun Violence: Prediction, Prevention and Policy.
- Recognize warning signs of violence in others, and read about ways to help.
- Manage your distress in the aftermath of a shooting and talk to children who may be worried when they hear about a shooting.
- Learn how to help in an emotional crisis.
- Store and use firearms safely to prevent impulsive gun violence and accidents.
- Use mental health first aid to help persons in crisis get the help they need.
- Contact your local school board to support programs that establish safe and supportive environmentsopens in new window for all students and staff.
- Contact your member of Congressopens in new window to support research to understand the best approaches to preventing gun violence.
APA offices and programs
- Violence Prevention Office
Gun violence affects society in many ways, including higher medical costs, reductions in quality of life and stresses on the criminal justice system. The question before psychology is what can science tell us about the most effective methods to reduce gun violence. - APA Advocacy Office
APA advocacy efforts related to the prevention of violence, including gun violence.