Did you know that according to data compiled by the CDC, there were 27,038 suicides by guns in 2022 according to the CDC?
Mental Health or Gun Issue
A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about their appearance and exhibit dangerous or self-harmful behavior.
In a firearm-related suicide, you must consider that person’s access to guns and why concerned family members or friends were not able to take action.
ERPO, US Supreme Court, and CAP
Why aren’t firearms locked up when not used?
21 states and the District of Columbia have enacted the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). Ohio is not one of them. If a court finds that a person poses a serious risk of injuring themselves or others with a firearm, that person is temporarily prohibited from having guns.
The US Supreme Court ruled today in United States v. Rahimi (22-915) that when an individual has been found by a court to pose a credible threat to the physical safety of another, that individual may be temporarily disarmed, consistent with the Second Amendment.
Child Access Prevention (CAP) requires all gun owners to store their firearms safely and securely in a place where children do not have access to them. This means they must be unloaded and locked with ammunition secured separately. 27 states and the District of Columbia have passed Child Access Prevention laws; Ohio has no law that imposes a penalty on someone who fails to secure an unattended firearm and leaves it accessible to an unsupervised minor.
These laws and rulings are enacted to help curb gun violence, prevent suicides, and protect children and our society at large.
Chilling Statistics
There are 74 firearm suicides every day.
1.7 million people attempt suicide every year
12.3 million people consider suicide
Possible Prevention Methods
- Encourage your state legislators to enact ERPO and CAP laws in Ohio.
- Lock all your guns up, change your safe code frequently, and make sure your children cannot guess or have access to the safe.
- Lock ammunition in another area.
- If you or a loved one is considering suicide, dial 988.
- For work-related safety, follow the tips in this video.
- Implement effective physical security measures.
- Hire trained security officers.
- Complete advanced training for staff to identify suicidal tendencies.
When it comes to suicide prevention or the prevention of harm to society at large, our obligation to watch our backs must be followed up by action.
Timothy Dimoff – Speaker, National Expert Witness, Author
Tim Dimoff’s engaging and thought-provoking presentations will enlighten, inform, and move you into acting on critical issues such as workplace risks, substance abuse, security, and societal threats. Feel free to contact Tim today to speak at your organization.
