SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – In a recent survey out of UC Davis, California adults were asked whether they were concerned that anyone they knew might physically hurt another person or themselves.
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In an alarming turn out, 20% replied "yes," indicating a heightened concern about violence within their personal network. This equates to 6.5 million Californians who know someone at risk for harm.
Among the reasons for the potential violence, survey participants answered alcohol and substance misuse, a history of violence and firearm access. 19% of people perceived to be at risk of harming others were said to have access to firearms, while another 11% of those perceived to be a risk to themselves were also said to have access.
"Too many people who are at perceived risk of harming either themselves or others have firearm access," said Amanda Aubel, research data analyst at the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program and lead author of the study.
Aubel even noted that the numbers are likely underestimated. "When we ask our respondents, a big chunk of these individuals weren’t sure whether the person had access to firearms," she said.
Despite the daunting numbers, Aubel said that there are actions Californians can take to reduce the risk of violence. "Limiting access to lethal means, such as firearms, but also medication when someone is at risk of suicide," she advised.
One silver lining of the results — "the public can and does recognize when someone they know is at increased risk," Aubel said.
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