Gun-related deaths and injuries have been on a significant rise over the past few years, and the numbers continue to rise. Data collected from the Gun Violence Archive shows more than 30 000 gun-related deaths so far in 2021 in the United States. These statistics showed that more than 50 lives are lost each day as a result of gun violence. The cases of suicide, murder, injuries, and mass shootings have been on a significant rise. In a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, four out of ten adults in the US live in a household with a gun, where 30% stated that they owned a gun. Federal data by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System suggests that gun sales in 2020 skyrocketed, a 20% rise from the previous year. Proper background checks and psychological evaluation are key for eligibility for owning a gun. It is evident there is an ease in owning a gun among individuals and as the numbers of gun owners continue to increase, so do the rates of gun violence. (ENGLISH ESSAY)
Gun violence is a threat to the most important rights, the right to life and health. The number of deaths caused by either homicide, suicide, or mass shootings increases each year. The US homicide rate is 25% higher than other opulent countries, and gun-related suicide is eight times higher than other countries (Ashfaq 1). A great number of people are also affected by injuries resulting from gun violence. According to the Gun Violence Archive data, there have been more than 28 000 total injuries from gun violence. Mass shootings have reported the largest number of injuries. Gun ownership has resulted in the loss of many lives and caused injuries to many others; therefore, there is a need to formulate stricter laws.
A close relationship between suicide and gun ownership was established by the Harvard School of Public Health, where the rates of suicide were more rampant in the states where guns were widespread. According to Runyan et al., 50% of the total suicide deaths in the United States involved guns as the preferred means of suicide since they have a 91% fatality rate. The ease of acquiring a gun has resulted in more cases where anyone can access a gun. A psychological evaluation is needed to evaluate those fit for handling a gun since people with mental issues still have access to the guns. Drug use, depression, mental issues, and family issues trigger suicide, and the easy access to guns serves as an appropriate means for those with suicidal thoughts. Licensed gun dealers should conduct a proper background evaluation to ensure those purchasing the guns can handle the gun appropriately.
An increase in crime rates and violence has been associated with the prevalence of guns. People may purchase some guns legally or illegally; there is no regulation for those who have access to guns. Cases of domestic violence and access to guns go hand in hand. According to Duncan et al., on average, about 50 women each month are shot and killed by their partners. With the presence of weapons in their homes, the stress triggers result in homicides by the partners. Robbery and vandalism peak since those involved have access to firearms to carry out their activities. Exposure of violence and crime to young children impacts children’s physical, emotional, and mental development. The child may internalize the behaviors, which can lead to a pattern of violence in the child’s development. Strict policies for firearm ownership are needed to regulate the cases of violence and crime.
School shootings in the US have become rampant. In February 2018, one of the largest school shootings was witnessed where 17 people were killed, and others were injured. There has been a drastic rise in the cases of school shootings. Access to firearms is the main reason for this, where those involved acquire them from their homes, friends, or relatives. Mental issues and cases of bullying also play a part in the rise of such cases. These shootings impact the children as some develop a sense of insecurity in school and suffer from traumas related to the shootings: Gun regulation and dire to control children’s access to firearms.
The ease of accessing firearms is the main reason for the vast gun-related issues. The government should formulate strict policies to control the availability of guns to individuals. Proper background assessment and mental evaluation are needed to identify those fit for handling the firearms. Guns contribute to many deaths in the United States, and regulation of guns is critical to protect the lives of citizens.
Works cited
Ashfaq, Rameesha S. “Addressing the Increase of Gun Violence Related Deaths in the United States and How to Reduce Them.” (2021).
Duncan, Thomas K., et al. “Domestic violence and safe storage of firearms in the COVID-19 era.” Annals of Surgery 272.2 (2020): e55.
“Key Facts About Gun Violence Worldwide.” Amnesty International, www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/gun-violence/
Rees, Chris A., et al. “Mass school shootings in the United States: a novel root cause analysis using lay press reports.” Clinical Pediatrics 58.13 (2019): 1423-1428.
Runyan, Carol W., et al. “Law enforcement and gun retailers as partners for safely storing guns to prevent suicide: a study in 8 Mountain West states.” American journal of public health 107.11 (2017): 1789-1794.
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