Protective Environments: Military Community Engagement to Prevent Firearm-Related Violence

Objective:
In this grant, a team of researchers including the GVRC will engage in three tasks to better understand the firearm storage preferences of service members. The first task is a systematic review of the research literature to examine extant data on preferences for specific storage approaches (e.g. cable locks, gunsafes). The second task is a survey of a nationally representative sample that will directly assess not only storage preferences, but also obstacles to using specific approaches and situations in which preferences may change (e.g. cost reductions). The third task involves a series of focus groups with military spouses during which the researchers will hope to develop a clearer understanding of why service members use – or do not use – specific storage approaches and what might serve as the most persuasive messaging to foster changes in storage practices.

Funded By:
Department of Defense – Defense Health Agency

Project Status:
In progress

Principal Investigator (PI):
Emmy Betz, PhD

Co-Investigator:
Michael Anestis, PhD

Amount Awarded:
$678,030