While school shootings may appear to be quite common, they represent only a small fraction of the gun violence that occurs in the U.S. each year.
Although no action we take can bring back those lost in these acts of violence, we can ensure our reactions are grounded in research evidence rather than political fervor and emotion, according to Lacey Wallace, associate professor of criminal justice at Penn State Altoona in a new Insights from Experts post.
In the article, Wallace documents incidence gun violence, reasons for gun ownership, and the social context of violence and how we might better identify those facing mental challenges that might lead to violence. It is rare that a shooting truly occurs without warning. What can we do to better see those signs? To make it possible for people to share concerns while respecting individual privacy? To provide the care that at-risk individuals need in a timely manner? Read more here.
For more on information on gun violence, mental health, Covid-19 and other issues, visit the Insights from Experts website — a partnership of Penn State's Social Science Research Institute and the Center for Health Care and Policy Research.