An American study published in the Southern Medical Journal (2010) …

Based on a review of the available scientific data, Dr. Lippmann and co-authors conclude that the dangers of having a gun at home far outweigh the safety benefits.

Research shows that access to guns greatly increases the risk of death and firearm-related violence. A gun in the home is twelve times more likely to result in the death of a household member or visitor than an intruder.

The most common cause of deaths occurring at homes where guns are present, by far, is suicide. Many of these self-inflicted gunshot wounds appear to be impulsive acts by people without previous evidence of mental illness.

Guns in the home are also associated with a fivefold increase in the rate of intimate partner homicide, as well as an increased risk of injuries and death to children. …

details

Whether Oscar Pistorius shot and killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp out of anger, or stupidity, the fact remains that one of his many “defensive” weapons killed a loved one, not an intruder.

Before the shooting Oscar would have been a Gundamentalist, denying the danger.

Oscar was just indicted on a premeditated murder charge.

The court set March 3, 2014 as the trial date for Pistorius.

The main charge laid by prosecutors carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years in prison if Pistorius is convicted.

I’m guessing Oscar is a suicide risk.

related – Political arguments of gun politics in the United States