There is an appalling level of gun violence in our state. More than 700 Wisconsinites – our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones – are killed by guns each year.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

We need only to look to other states, to see that gun violence is preventable. The evidence and research are clear: Strong gun laws save lives.

States that put that lesson into law, like Massachusetts, Hawaii, and New York, are proving it. Unfortunately, Wisconsin has failed to take many commonsense steps that would keep our families and communities safe.

Get the facts about where things stand in Wisconsin and policies that make a difference.

FACT SHEETS

Learn the facts about gun violence and policies that could save lives in Wisconsin.

Learn About the Issues

Suicide

Suicide is the most common cause of gun deaths. In Wisconsin, suicides account for 64% of all gun deaths. Guns are by far the most lethal means of suicide, so removing access to guns is particularly effective in preventing suicide.

Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence

4.5 million women in the United States report being threatened with a gun by an intimate partner. More intimate partner homicides are committed with a gun than all other means combined.

Community Violence

While mass shootings receive prominence in the news, the majority of gun homicides are community violence. Because of historical and structural racism, community violence disproportionately impacts Black and Brown communities.

Learn About Evidence-based Solutions

Extreme Risk Laws

Extreme risk laws (sometimes called red flag laws) allow judges to issue an extreme risk protection order to temporarily prohibit someone in crisis from purchasing or possessing a gun. They are being used to prevent suicides and mass shootings.

Background Checks

Universal background checks help prevent guns from getting into the hands of people who are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms due to factors that indicate a high risk, such as a previous violent crime with a gun.

Community Violence Intervention

Community-based gun violence intervention (CVI) programs, such as street interruption programs and hospital-based intervention programs, effectively interfere with the cycles of violence within communities.