Suicides and Firearms

[Aughnanure]

Just read this on another Forum:

"The International Coalition for Women in Shooting and Hunting (WiSH) have
issued the following release:



Media Release May 11 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


New Study: Gun Laws Did Not Affect QLD Suicides


The International Coalition for Women in Shooting and Hunting (WiSH) have
commended new research into the impact of Australia’s 1996 gun laws on
firearm suicides in Queensland.

The Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention study, published
in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, shows that firearm
suicides in Queensland began falling in the 1980’s, well before the
legislative changes were introduced.

The gun laws did not impact on the pre-existing rate of decline in firearm
suicides, which continued at the same rate before and after the changes.

“This study, like many before it, shows that the gun laws did not achieve
the promised public health outcomes, despite their staggering pricetag,”
said WiSH Chair Dr Samara McPhedran.

The report showed an ongoing increase in suicides by hanging among young men
over the period 1990-2004, suggesting a shift in method choice by that
group.

“Importantly, the authors highlight the role of suicide prevention
strategies in tackling suicide overall.”

“We can only imagine how many lives could have been saved, had the billions
of dollars spent on banning firearms and maintaining a cumbersome
legislative system been put towards mental healthcare, support services, and
outreach programmes for people experiencing hardship,” Dr McPhedran said.

The latest findings are broadly consistent with earlier work published in
the British Journal of Criminology, which also found that the 1996 gun laws
did not impact on firearm homicides.


References:

Klieve, H., Barnes, M., & De Leo, D. (2009). Controlling firearms use in
Australia: Has the 1996 gun law reform produced the decrease in rates of
suicide with this method? Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology,
44: 285-292.

Baker, J., & McPhedran, S. (2007). Gun laws and sudden death: Did the
Australian firearms legislation of 1996 make a difference? British Journal
of Criminology, 47: 455-469."