Firearm Violence and the Path to Prevention: What We Know, What We Need

Abstract

Firearm violence is a serious threat to the safety of children and adolescents. Older adolescents, minorities, and boys are at increased risk, as are children who have been victims of firearm violence or violent crime in the past. Meaningful change to prevent firearm violence must incorporate principles of public health. Emergency physicians are uniquely poised to advocate for and participate in preventive efforts. This article discusses the state of firearm violence among adolescents as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts that have demonstrated effectiveness. This includes hospital-based programs that take a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach to the care of at-risk patients.