Study highlights that less than 1% of people with firearm access engage in defensive use in any given year

Gun violence is a pressing issue that continues to impact communities across the United States. A recent study conducted by Rutgers Health shed light on the prevalence of firearm use for self-defense and the likelihood of individuals with firearm access being exposed to gun violence. The findings were eye-opening and challenged common misconceptions about the role of firearms in personal protection.

The study revealed that a staggering 92% of firearm users admitted to never using their weapons for self-defense. In fact, less than 1% reported using their firearms in a defensive capacity within the past year. These statistics debunk the myth that owning a firearm significantly increases personal safety. Michael Anestis, the lead author of the study and executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers, emphasized that individuals with firearm access are more likely to encounter gun violence than to defend themselves with their weapons.

The research, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed 8,009 adults, including 3,000 individuals with firearm access, to analyze their experiences with defensive gun use and exposure to gun violence. Shockingly, over one-third of the participants had known someone who died by firearm suicide, while more than 30% reported hearing gunshots in their neighborhoods in the past year. Additionally, a small percentage of respondents had been shot themselves, highlighting the pervasive nature of gun violence in society.

The study also delved into the factors influencing individuals’ engagement in defensive gun use. Those with prior exposure to gun violence, frequent firearm carriers, and individuals who stored loaded and unlocked firearms were more likely to have used their weapons for self-defense. Anestis pointed out that personal experiences with violence and easy access to firearms could lead individuals to perceive threats more frequently and resort to using their weapons in defensive scenarios.

It is crucial to note that the mere perception of a threat does not always warrant the use of a firearm for defense. Anestis emphasized the importance of critically evaluating the circumstances surrounding defensive gun use and not assuming that every instance results in a life saved. The study’s findings underscore the need for evidence-based policies that prioritize reducing the harms of gun violence rather than overemphasizing the rare instances of successful defensive gun use.

In conclusion, the Rutgers Health study sheds light on the complex relationship between firearm access, defensive gun use, and exposure to gun violence. By challenging prevailing beliefs about the efficacy of firearms for self-defense, the research calls for a more nuanced approach to gun policy that prioritizes public safety and violence prevention. It is imperative to address the root causes of gun violence and implement comprehensive strategies to create safer communities for all individuals.