Between 2012 and 2014, there were an average of 33,599 gun deaths in America each year. Data compiled by FiveThirtyEight shows that 63 percent of them (21,058) were suicides. Another 35 percent (11,726) were homicides, and less than 2 percent were accidents.[1]

Older men were the most likely to commit suicide. "The next-largest set of gun deaths — 1 in 5 — were young men aged 15 to 34, killed in homicides," according to statistician Leah Libresco.[2] "These men were most likely to die at the hands of other young men, often related to gang loyalties or other street violence."

Additionally, the data shows "1,700 women murdered per year, usually as the result of domestic violence."

Reviewing all of this data led Libresco to conclude that most of the gun control policies she advocated would have little impact. Instead, she "found the most hope in more narrowly tailored interventions."

More specifically, Libresco wrote that "older men, who make up the largest share of gun suicides, need better access to people who could care for them and get them help. Women endangered by specific men need to be prioritized by police, who can enforce restraining orders prohibiting these men from buying and owning guns. Younger men at risk of violence need to be identified before they take a life or lose theirs and to be connected to mentors who can help them de-escalate conflicts."

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