Year: 1991 Source: Medicine, Science and the Law, v.31, no.1, (January 1991), p.76-80 SIEC No: 19910647

This study analyzes 96 gunshot suicides in Australia. Only 3 of the cases were women, all of whom had a psychiatric history. Most victims had experienced physical or mental ill health, the break-up of a relationship, or contact with police. There was often a history of alcoholism. A section on post-mortem results is included. The author asserts that the change in gun ownership laws in 1988 may alter the incidence of gunshot suicide in the future. (VM)