Blog · April 22, 2023

How to Help Stop Gun Violence in the Long Term

The world of firearms is a controversial one. Some have various opinions on the usage of guns, from the restrictive perspectives to the freedom to own them. Whatever the case, none can deny that the rise in gun violence is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

To properly address this trajectory, there needs to be a set of strategies in place to solve the problem. Many of these strategies are about putting in the right systems to mitigate the chances of violence occurring. Others require patience, as a more long-term solution may be the only way forward. These tips describe the best strategies to think about implementing.

Tip #1: Background Checks

In some countries, purchasing a legal firearm can be rather simple. This is the biggest drawback to the topic of guns. In a nutshell, it should be more difficult to buy a gun. Should the right background checks be implemented, the potential for violence to occur is minimized. In this regard, those who sell firearms should require each customer to pass a background check.

For example, a prospective gun owner must show the right credentials and information. This can range from having a clean criminal record to being an upstanding citizen. It will eventually take a longer time to process since the purchasing of a gun is substantial. However, this will inevitably help to curb the violence as a whole.

Tip #2: Gun Detection Technology

In some situations, the flow of firearms in society may be too strong to stop completely. So, it will be time to think about reducing their impact instead. Gun detection technology has become all the more important in this day and age. As the name implies, the tech revolves around using artificial intelligence, or AI, around locating the presence of a firearm.

Once the software or system detects a potential threat, the right authorities can be notified. Many public institutions are already taking advantage of this to keep citizens safe, such as schools, stadiums, and casino security systems. Down the line, AI will be adopted by more organizations to mitigate gun violence. It is a surefire way of stopping the violence from happening before the suspect has a chance to commit harm!

Tip #3: Laws

Ultimately, the laws that are in place surrounding guns will have a huge impact on usage. That is why the right legislation needs to be passed in a respective government. If you want your local politicians to hear your opinions, contact them. They must be properly informed about the issue if legal impacts are to be made.

Call your local mayor’s office, or contact a politician in your neighbourhood. This can be done in several ways, from a phone call to writing a letter. The more citizens commit to doing this, the better a chance politicians will hear how serious this concern is. It will take time, but it is necessary if gun violence is to be stopped!

Tip #4: Medical Education

Many frontline workers also play a large role in helping to mitigate the threat of guns. For instance, family physicians can educate young kids and adults on the harms of guns. Once the gun is used, the impact on the human body is undeniable and life-threatening.

Everyone, from doctors to nurses, has a voice that could save lives. If more medical professionals can speak out on the issue, the more chance it will be solved. Alongside passing the right gun laws, this will take time to implement. A collective of medical professionals, however, voicing their concerns is undeniable.

Tip #5: Fundraisers

Gun violence can be seen as a common occurrence in some countries. While you can try to stop future incidents, fundraisers can lessen the burden of the issue right now. Gather your friends and colleagues, and ensure all hear the event!

Tip #6: Continued Advocacy

The battle to advocate for less gun violence can be seen as never-ending. Should you feel as if you have a voice to lend, make sure to join an advocacy group. These groups will voice their concerns about gun violence to all relevant public figures. Plus, tackling an issue like this requires more than one person at the end of the day.

Tip #7: Hosting Events

Town halls in this day and age have become even more important to local towns or cities. Here, everyone can participate in a setting to discuss the rise of gun violence. From hosting on-location to video conferencing, you have multiple outlets to discuss reducing the impact!