By The Numbers: 8 April 2024
45%
The percentage of veterans in the U.S. who own firearms, according to a recent study in the journal BMJ Military Health -- ‘Whether it’s your weapon or not, it’s your home’: US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage.
Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD. ... US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures. .
45%
The percentage of veterans in the U.S. who own firearms, according to a recent study in the journal BMJ Military Health -- ‘Whether it’s your weapon or not, it’s your home’: US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage.
Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD. ... US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures. .