A new study from Rutgers University highlights that individuals with access to firearms are significantly more likely to experience gun violence than to use their weapons for self-defense. The research surveyed 3,000 adults and found that less than 1% reported using a gun for self-defense in the past year, while a striking 34% had lost a friend or loved one to firearm suicide. This challenges the common belief that carrying a gun enhances personal safety, suggesting that narratives promoted by gun advocates may overlook the serious risks associated with firearm access.
Among those who report firing weapons in perceived threats, nearly 60% had previously been shot, indicating that gun violence often involves individuals already affected by it. The study also emphasizes the heightened risks of suicide and domestic violence for those living in homes with firearms. This groundbreaking research, which counters traditional self-defense arguments, raises critical questions about the true safety implications of gun ownership.
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