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Suicide

Women in homes with guns owned by others are at higher risk to die by suicide, study says

A new study finds women are at risk from "secondhand exposure" to guns.

A cable lock secures a pistol in this 2021 photo. Researchers say keeping guns secure can prevent suicides. New research found that among women, the arrival of a gun to a home increases suicide risk, even if the gun belongs to someone else.
Amanda Pérez Pintado
USA TODAY
  • Researchers tracked the experiences of 9.5 million women.
  • They found the suicide rate rose dramatically among those who were exposed to a handgun vs. those whose homes remained gun-free.
  • Limiting access to firearms reduces the risk of suicide, experts say.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Handguns may not just increase the risk of suicide for people who own them.

A new study concludes women face a greater risk of suicide when they have "secondhand exposure" to guns owned by other people, too. 

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry builds on previous research that has linked access to firearms with increased suicide risk. But in this study, researchers focused on women who live with other people who are handgun owners.