Study Reveals Rare Defensive Use of Firearms

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights that an overwhelming 92% of gun owners have never used their firearms for self-defense. Lead researcher Michael Anestis, of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, emphasizes that individuals with access to guns are far more likely to experience gun violence than to successfully use their weapons to protect themselves. The study surveyed over 8,000 adults, revealing that less than 1% had employed their firearms defensively in the past year.

The research further indicates a notable link between exposure to gun violence and the likelihood of defensive gun use. Alarmingly, while only 2% of participants had been shot, they accounted for 60% of defensive shooting incidents. The findings provide crucial insights into misconceptions surrounding the effectiveness of firearms as tools for self-defense, prompting a reevaluation of how gun ownership correlates with personal safety.

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