Gun violence epidemiology and prevention

Gun violence is a major public health issue that is affecting the lives of individuals around the world and is the cause of more than 500 deaths and 2,000 injuries per day. However, the effects of gun violence are not evenly spread across the globe. Half of all gun-related deaths in 2016 occurred within only six countries, Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Guatemala. In 2017, over 38,000 deaths and 80,000 injuries within the US occurred as a result of gun violence. This is far higher than any other OECD nation, and more Americans die from guns than from motor vehicle crashes. Mass shootings, such as Sandy Hook, are the most visible form of gun violence; however, these account for a tiny proportion of all gun deaths. Other more prevalent forms of gun violence include suicides, homicides, unintentional deaths and serious injuries. Gun violence prevention through sensible firearms policy remains a hot topic in the media, in the US Congress and in the forthcoming general election. This collection aims to bring together a selection of the latest research and developments surrounding gun violence and gun violence prevention. Topics may include but are not limited to: Domestic violence Mass shootings The long term health effects of gunshot wounds The spatial patterns of injury incidence as a result of gun violence The cost associated with firearm related injuries The role of firearms in suicide All articles that are submitted to this collection will undergo the journal’s normal peer review process and be subject to an article-processing charge. Manuscripts should be formatted according to our submission guidelines and submitted via the online submission system. In the submission system please make sure that the correct collection title is chosen at the 'Additional Information' step. Please also indicate clearly in the covering letter that the manuscript is to be considered for this collection. For further advice on what funding is available to you, or for guidance in approaching funders and institutions, please visit our funding page or contact OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com. This is an open-ended collection and articles will be accepted for on-going publication.