The Impact of the Availability of Firearms on Violent Crime, Suicide, and Accidental Death: a Review of the Literature With Special Reference to the Canadian Situation

This study examines the relationship between firearm availability & suicide, particularly attempts & lethality of method. A strong relationship exists between firearm availability & suicide attempts although some evidence suggests there is substitution of method to some extent. Firearms increase the likelihood of death; other equally lethal methods are less common. Evidence of impulsive attempts due to firearm availability is presented. Some data on age, gender, & ethnicity are given. (196 refs)