By Robert Jordan, Founder
SITE|SAFETYNET℠
Protecting Our Students, Inc.
Reference:
K-12 School Shooting Database (k12ssdb.org)
Introduction
The debate around gun ownership and its role in self-defense is contentious. Many claim that guns are used millions of times each year in self-defense. However, extensive research reveals that this figure is vastly overestimated. This article aims to shed light on the true nature of self-defense gun use and dispel common myths associated with it.
The Myth of Millions of Self-Defense Uses
Claims that guns are used millions of times annually in self-defense are widespread. However, these assertions do not hold up under scrutiny. Epidemiological theory can explain why the “false positive” problem for rare events leads to large overestimates. Research by Hemenway et al. has shown that the claim of many millions of annual self-defense gun uses by American citizens is invalid.
References:
- Hemenway, D. (1997). Survey research and self-defense gun use: An explanation of extreme overestimates. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 87, 1430-1445.
- Hemenway, D. (1997). The myth of millions of annual self-defense gun uses: A case study of survey overestimates of rare events. Chance (American Statistical Association), 10, 6-10.
- Cook, P.J., Ludwig, J., & Hemenway, D. (1997). The gun debate’s new mythical number: How many defensive uses per year? Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 16, 463-469.
Self-Defense or Escalating Arguments?
Most purported self-defense gun use occurs during escalating arguments and is both socially undesirable and illegal. Data from national surveys conducted by the Harvard Injury Control Research Center indicate that a majority of these cases are unlawful, even when the respondent had a permit to own and carry a gun.
References:
- Hemenway, D., Miller, M., & Azrael, D. (2000). Gun use in the United States: Results from two national surveys. Injury Prevention, 6, 263-267.
Firearms: Tools of Intimidation
Firearms are used far more often to intimidate than in self-defense. A national survey revealed that guns are frequently used to frighten and intimidate rather than to protect.
References:
- Hemenway, D., & Azrael, D. (2000). The relative frequency of offensive and defensive gun use: Results of a national survey. Violence and Victims, 15, 257-272.
Guns in the Home: Intimidation Over Protection
Guns in the home are more often used to intimidate intimates than to thwart crime. Other weapons are far more commonly used against intruders than guns.
References:
- Azrael, D.R., & Hemenway, D. (2000). In the safety of your own home: Results from a national survey of gun use at home. Social Science and Medicine, 50, 285-91.
Adolescents and Gun Threats
Adolescents are more likely to be threatened with a gun than to use one in self-defense. A survey of California adolescents found that gun threats were more common than self-defense gun use, which often involved hostile interactions.
References:
- Hemenway, D., & Miller, M. (2004). Gun threats against and self-defense gun use by California adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 158, 395-400.
Criminals as Victims
Criminals who are shot are typically victims of crime. Surveys of detainees in Washington D.C. jails showed that most were shot during robberies, assaults, and crossfires, not by “law-abiding citizens.”
References:
- May, J.P., Hemenway, D., Oen, R., & Pitts, K.R. (2000). When criminals are shot: A survey of Washington DC jail detainees. Medscape General Medicine, June 28.
- May, J.P., & Hemenway, D. (2002). Do Criminals Go to the Hospital When They are Shot? Injury Prevention, 8, 236-238.
The Rarity and Effectiveness of Self-Defense Gun Use
Self-defense gun use is rare and not more effective at preventing injury than other protective actions. The National Crime Victimization Surveys indicate that guns are used in less than 1% of contact crimes, and there is little evidence that self-defense gun use reduces the likelihood of injury or property loss.
References:
- Hemenway, D., & Solnick, S.J. (2015). The epidemiology of self-defense gun use: Evidence from the National Crime Victimization Surveys 2007-2011. Preventive Medicine, 79, 22-27.
Conclusion
This article provides accurate information concerning self-defense gun use, debunking many myths about its prevalence and effectiveness. The evidence shows that the purported benefits of gun ownership for self-defense are vastly exaggerated. In many cases, guns are more likely to be used for intimidation rather than protection. Understanding these facts is crucial for making informed decisions about gun ownership and public safety.
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