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Firearms fatalities in Denmark 1970-1979
Forensic Science International
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Firearm fatalities in Denmark increased by 45% from 1970-1979, primarily due to suicides. Shotgun use rose significantly, highlighting the need for stricter shotgun control to reduce firearm deaths.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Firearm fatalities in Denmark saw a 45% increase between 1970 and 1979.
- Suicides constituted the vast majority (88%) of these deaths, followed by homicides (8%) and accidents (4%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in firearm fatalities in Denmark during the 1970s.
- To identify the types of firearms and circumstances contributing to firearm deaths.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of existing legislation on hunting accidents.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of firearm fatality data from Denmark for the period 1970-1979.
- Categorization of deaths by manner (suicide, homicide, accident) and firearm type.
Main Results:
- Total firearm fatalities increased by 45% over the decade.
- Shotguns accounted for an increasing proportion of fatalities, reaching 57%.
- A rise in the use of sawn-off long-barreled weapons was observed.
- Accidental shootings decreased from 8% to 4%, likely due to stricter hunting laws.
Conclusions:
- Despite an overall increase in firearm fatalities, fatal shootings remain infrequent in Denmark.
- Shotguns are the primary dangerous weapon contributing to increased firearm deaths.
- Enhanced control over the procurement and possession of shotguns is recommended to further reduce firearm fatalities.