Seattle study: Gun violence begets gun violence

In a study aimed at curbing gun violence, researchers have found those hospitalized with a firearm injury face 30 times greater risk of another gun-related injury. They’re 11 times more likely to die from firearm-related violence.

The Seattle City Council commissioned the first-of-its-kind research to help determine where best to focus violence prevention efforts.

“The evidence shows gun violence begets gun violence. If you are harmed by a gun, you are much more likely to be harmed again or to harm others,” said Council President Tim Burgess.

The University of Washington’s Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center studied 20,000 patients hospitalized in King County and 77,000 in all of Washington state in 2006 and 2007, and looked at patients’ prior arrest and hospitalization records.

Dr. Frederick Rivara, lead author and professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, says the study highlights a strong correlation between firearm-related hospitalizations and poor outcomes after being discharged, including repeated hospitalization, commission of crime and death.

A quarter of those hospitalized for a firearm-related injury were arrested for firearm-related crime within the next five years.

The research also demonstrated a greater risk of subsequent violent or firearm-related crime, hospitalizations and death among those with a prior history of firearm injuries or crimes compared to those with psychiatric disorders.

Rivara presented the findings Monday to the City Council. He says the study should provide an important roadmap for efforts to curb repeated gun violence and death.

“Early intervention efforts should include not only the medical professionals, but also stronger partnerships among public health, law enforcement, the courts, social service providers and others. By working more closely together we can prevent subsequent injury, death and crime,” Rivara says.

Rivara says while the correlations found in the study are not necessarily a surprise, the rates are dramatic and significant.

Council President Burgess led the effort to convince the council to authorize $153,000 for the study last June in the wake of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut. He criticizes the National Rifle Association for successfully lobbying to prevent federal funding for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct a national study.

“It is unfortunate that the National Rifle Association has blocked this type of research at the national level because it provides valuable information for policymakers and the public,” Burgess says.

Burgess is championing a number of treatment methods similar to intervention strategies used in alcohol abuse cases involving physicians, social workers and psychologists.