Gun violence is among the five leading causes of death for children and adults. In order to protect people from violence, we have to first understand what factors increase the risk of violence. These are called risk factors. Risk factors don’t cause violence, but they can increase a person’s chances for experiencing violence.
know the
Risk
Factors
Common Risk Factors for
Violence & Suicide
Risk factors for violence are linked to prolonged and repeated exposure to high
levels of stress. All the following toxic stressors can increase the risk of violence:
Living in a home with substance use and/or mental health problems
Lacking stable housing
Living in a community with few resources or opportunities,
such as stores, schools, and jobs
Experiencing neglect or food scarcity
Seeing or experiencing violence
An Unequal Share
of Violence
Anyone can be affected by violence, but certain groups are more likely to experience gun violence, highlighting ongoing social, racial, income, and gender inequalities.
Male Homicides
Males were over 6 times more likely to die by firearm homicide than females.
Youth and Young Adult Deaths
58% of all firearm homicide deaths were young people aged 15–34.
Black Male Deaths
Young Black men account for 38% of gun deaths in the state, which is more than three times their population percentage.
Women and Domestic Abuse
Access to a gun makes it 5x more likely that a woman will die at the hands of a domestic abuser.
Deaths by Suicide
Firearms account for 30% of the suicide deaths in Connecticut.
Firearms and Suicide
Firearm suicide is a significant part of Connecticut’s gun violence crisis. In 2023, Connecticut recorded a nearly equal number of gun-related suicides and homicides: 104 firearm-related suicides and 100 firearm-related homicides. Guns are involved in 30% of all suicides in the state.
While suicide is influenced by many complex factors, including stress, social isolation, economic hardship, and mental health challenges, one fact is clear: access to firearms significantly increases the risk of death. This is just one reason why safe storage of firearms is so important.
Risk factors for suicide by firearm include:
- Easy access to a firearm
- Prior suicide attempts
- Misuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Substance and gambling addictions
- Mental health disorders, particularly depression and other mood disorders
Support is available. Call 2-1-1, call/text 988, or visit preventsuicidect.org or 988lifeline.org.
You can also download our guide to preventing firearm suicide (PDF).
