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Easy access to firearms: juveniles' risks for violent offending and violent victimization
R Barry Ruback1, Jennifer N Shaffer, Valerie A Clark
1Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA. bruback@psu.edu
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|August 21, 2010
Summary
Easy access to firearms at home increases adolescents risk of violent offending and victimization. This risk persists into early adulthood, highlighting significant public health concerns associated with home firearm access.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Home firearm access is debated for personal safety versus injury risk.
- Adolescent firearm access is linked to various demographic factors.
- Previous research indicates a correlation between firearm access and negative outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between adolescent firearm access and violent offending.
- To examine the link between adolescent firearm access and violent victimization.
- To determine if this relationship extends into early adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.
- Analyzed firearm access, violent offending, and violent victimization.
- Employed statistical controls for prior access, offending, and victimization.
Main Results:
- Adolescent firearm access was higher among males, Whites, and those with two parents.
- Current home firearm access significantly increased odds of violent offending and victimization.
- The association between firearm access and violence persisted into early adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Easy access to firearms at home is a significant risk factor for adolescent violence.
- The findings underscore the need for interventions to reduce firearm access among youth.
- Preventing adolescent firearm access may mitigate violent offending and victimization.
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