Title: Gun Ownership as a Risk Factor for Homicide in the Home

Publication Date: October 1993

What does it say?

This is a case-control study that looks at the relationship between keeping a gun in the home and risk of homicide. A strong and independent association between gun-ownership in homes and an increased risk of homicide was found. The majority of homicide victims were killed by a family member or someone known to them.

It was found that people who keep guns in homes are almost 3 times more likely to be murdered.

Guns in the home were associated with a 8-fold increase in risk of homicide at the hands of a family member or intimate acquaintance, but the study found no significant increase in the risk of being murdered by a stranger or intruder.

The study concludes that “Rather than confer protection, guns kept in the home are associated with an increase in the risk of homicide by a family member or intimate acquaintance.” In light of this “people should be strongly discouraged from keeping guns in their homes.”

How can I use it?

Use this study to challenge the myth that guns make us safer. Gun owners need to be informed of the risks of gun ownership, and legislatures should adopt common sense gun laws that increase the safe and secure storage of firearms in the home.

Citation

Kellermann, Arthur L. MD, MPH, et al., “Gun Ownership as a Risk Factor for Homicide in the Home,” New England Journal of Medicine, 329(15) (1993): 1084-1091

 

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