Evaluating laws to reduce firearm violence in California
Official title: RFA-CE-23-006, Leveraging Individual-Level Data to Evaluate Policies Targeting Acute Risk Periods for Firearm Violence: Extreme Risk Protective Orders and Waiting Periods in California
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10903708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain laws that limit access to guns during dangerous times can help reduce the chances of suicide among gun owners and keep their loved ones safe from violence, using information from a large group of handgun owners in California.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $315,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CE003630-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include handgun owners and their cohabitants in California who may be affected by firearm access laws.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not own firearms or do not reside in California may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of laws designed to temporarily restrict firearm access during high-risk periods for violence and suicide. By analyzing data from a large cohort of handgun owners in California, the study aims to understand how Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) and mandatory waiting periods affect the risk of suicide among gun owners and homicide risk among their cohabitants. The research utilizes longitudinal data to provide insights into the effectiveness of these policies in preventing deaths during acute risk periods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies that significantly reduce firearm-related deaths and enhance public safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of similar policies, indicating that this study could provide valuable new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swanson, Sonja Alsemgeest — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Swanson, Sonja Alsemgeest
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how alcohol and how couples talk about consent affect intimate partner sexual violence
This project studies how alcohol use and how partners communicate about consent influence intimate partner sexual violence among sexual minority and heterosexual couples.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
Healthy Communities for Youth: Preventing Youth Violence in Richmond and Beyond
A community-centered program to reduce youth violence in Richmond, VA and similar communities by pairing youth voices, hospital-based support, and capacity-building for local groups.
-
Education and violence: Can high-dosage tutoring reduce youth violence
A large study in Chicago schools will test whether high-dosage tutoring for students can lessen youth violence by improving learning and outcomes.
-
Center for Youth Equity: A Community Path to Prevent Youth Violence
A Tulane-led effort partners with communities to reduce youth violence by addressing racism, strengthening local youth voices, and building sustainable prevention strategies.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.