Study Shows Doubling in In-Home Gun Homicides Among Children Since 2010

Recent research led by UCLA reveals a concerning increase in firearm-related homicides of children occurring in residential settings. Between 2020 and 2021, nearly 25% of child and adolescent firearm homicide victims were killed within their own homes, a significant rise from previous years. Alarmingly, nearly two-thirds of child victims aged 12 and under lost their lives in these domestic incidents.

The study, scheduled for publication in JAMA Surgery, indicates that the rate of in-home firearm homicides among children and adolescents has more than doubled since 2010. The increase is often associated with domestic issues such as intimate partner violence and child abuse, with parents being the most common perpetrators. The data shows a rise from 0.18 homicides per 100,000 children in 2010 to 0.38 in 2021.

Researchers analyzed data from approximately 2,200 firearm homicide cases involving children aged 17 and under, using the CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System. They focused on 14 states with continuous data contributions from 2005 onward. Findings highlight that in-home homicides include cases linked to murder-suicide, child abuse, and intimate partner violence.

Lead researcher Dr. Jordan Rook emphasized that traditional safety measures like gun locking may not be enough to prevent these tragedies. Instead, policies targeting high-risk households—such as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) and firearm relinquishment tied to domestic violence investigations—could be more effective in protecting vulnerable children.

While mass shootings garner considerable attention, pediatric firearm homicides at home remain an under-studied yet significant cause of child mortality. The team suggests that focusing on risk factors like violence within the home and removing firearms from hazardous households could help stem this disturbing trend.

Limitations of the study include potential data gaps and misclassification due to reliance on records from medical, police, and coroner reports. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies to safeguard children in their most vulnerable settings.

The research was conducted by a team of experts from several institutions, including UCLA, the University of Arkansas, Michigan State University, and others, in collaboration with the American Pediatric Surgical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.