Gun Control and Suicide: Possible Impact of Canadian Legislation to Ensure Safe Storage of Firearms

In 1992, the Canadian Firearms Act aimed at ensuring safe storage of firearms was promulgated. This study compares suicide methods 6 years prior to the enactment of the law & 5 years after its enactment. The study encompassed 426 suicide cases from Northern Quebec. Suicide by firearms decreased in the male & female population. Suicide by hanging increased among youths of both sexes, & suicide by poisoning doubled in the female population. A decrease in firearm suicides was most noticeable in the under-25 age group, although it was in this same age group the general suicide rate increased the most. (46 refs)