Homicide

Data suggests 'red flag' laws are linked to sustained reductions in arrests

(SACRAMENTO) Individuals subject to extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), or “red flag” laws, were significantly less likely to be arrested — including for violent and firearm-related offenses — while the orders were in effect compared to the six months prior.

Strikingly, the drop in arrests did not end when the orders expired and continued for months afterward.

Those are the results of a new study published in PNAS Nexus.

When (and why) doctors might ask patients about guns

(SACRAMENTO) To assess a patient’s overall well-being and potential health risks, clinicians routinely ask questions on a wide range of topics, such as car seats, mental health, diet, sexual activity, alcohol, exercise and smoking.

Physicians and researchers at the University of California, Davis, want providers to consider a new item for their list: firearms.

Community-based violence intervention in the aftermath of homicide

Abstract 

Communities impacted by homicide endure profound loss and trauma, yet the voices of those intimately acquainted with navigating its aftermath are often overlooked and undervalued. In this study, we center the perspectives of community violence prevention specialists (CVPS) to understand the role of community-based violence intervention (CVI) in the aftermath of homicide and identify essential needs for fostering holistic and sustainable safety and healing following homicide.

Domestic violence awareness and research

In this issue: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We know that better understanding risk factors for domestic violence helps to develop more effective prevention measures.  

Community-level risk factors for firearm assault and homicide

Abstract BACKGROUND

Identifying community characteristics associated with firearm assault could facilitate prevention. We investigated the effect of community firearm dealer and alcohol outlet densities on individual risk of firearm assault injury.

A drop in firearm homicide deaths

In this issue: According to newly released provisional 2022 mortality data from CDC WONDER, the rate of firearm mortality fell by 1.5% from 2021 to 2022. A 6.5% drop in firearm homicide deaths is driving that decrease, despite a 2.5% jump in firearm suicides. The overall 1.5% decrease may appear modest, but it represents tragedies prevented and lives saved.