The Violence of Weapons in the Home

Nine out of ten murders involve a weapon. Of that number, eight involve a firearm. Anytime that a gun is kept in the home, the likelihood that a homicide will occur increases three times. The likelihood of a suicide increases five times. There are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of violence associated with weapons in your home. The National Crime Prevention Council suggests a few.

• Look at other ways to protect yourself and your home. Invest in top-grade locks, jamming devices for doors and windows, a dog, or an alarm system. Start or join a Neighborhood Watch. Check with the police, the YMCA/YWCA, or the recreation department about a self-defense class.
• If you do choose to own firearms- handguns, rifles, or shotguns- make sure they are safely stored. That means unloaded, trigger-locked, and in a locked gun case or pistol box with ammunition separately locked. Store keys out of reach of children, away from weapons and ammunition.
• Teach your children what to do if they find a firearm or something that might be a weapon- Stop, Don't Touch, Get Away, and Tell a Trusted Adult.
• Show your children how to settle arguments and solve problems without using words or actions that hurt others, by setting an example with your actions.
• Pay attention to what you, your family, and your friends watch and listen to for entertainment- from movies, to television, video games, and music lyrics. Discuss the situations with your children, discussing what the real life consequences of violence would be.
• Be sure that you know how to report potentially violent situations or concerns about conditions in the neighborhood that could lead to violence. Ask your police department for help in identifying what to report, when, to whom, and how.
• Consider organizing an event that lets people turn in weapons, or even objects that might be mistaken for real weapons, in exchange for books, coupons from local merchants, toys, or simply the satisfaction of making the community safer.
• Support schools and youth clubs in their efforts to keep guns, knives, and other weapons from menacing the everyday lives of children and teens. Encourage children to report any weapons they know about in or near school to staff or the police.
• Learn your state and local laws on firearms. Insist that these laws be enforced vigorously but fairly. Support police, prosecutors, judges, and other local officials who enforce laws designed to prevent gun violence.