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Gender Differences in Gun Ownership and Practices Associated With Sexual Assault and Other Violent Victimization
Margaret S Kelley1, Amie L Nielsen2, Kathryn M Nowotny2
1Department of American Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA mskelley@ku.edu.
Violence and Victims
|April 15, 2026
Summary
Victimization experiences, particularly sexual assault combined with other violence, are linked to firearm ownership and practices. Gender significantly influences these associations, indicating different responses to victimization regarding gun use.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Gun ownership is frequently linked to perceived threats and personal safety concerns.
- Previous research has explored connections between criminal victimization and firearm ownership.
- Understanding these links is crucial for public safety and policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between sexual assault victimization and firearm ownership and related behaviors.
- To investigate if experiencing sexual assault alongside other forms of violence impacts gun ownership.
- To determine if these relationships differ based on gender.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Guns in American Life Survey.
- Analyzed firearm ownership, storage methods, loaded status, and carrying practices.
- Examined associations between different types of victimization and firearm behaviors, stratified by gender.
Main Results:
- Rape victimization alone showed limited association with gun ownership or behaviors, except for increased access to loaded guns for males.
- Experiencing sexual assault combined with other violent victimization was positively linked to most firearm ownership and behavior outcomes.
- Significant gender differences were observed, suggesting differential responses to victimization concerning firearm practices.
Conclusions:
- The type of victimization is a critical factor in understanding firearm ownership patterns.
- Combined sexual assault and other violent victimization strongly correlates with increased firearm ownership and related behaviors.
- Gender moderates the relationship between victimization and firearm ownership, highlighting distinct male and female responses.
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