Suicide rates could be cut with stronger gun laws

Pixabay

A new report suggests suicide rates in Switzerland could be cut if there were stricter rules on the access to army weapons.

Researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands studied suicide rates across Europe - it showed a third of male suicides in this country are with guns. 

In other countries the rate of suicides by gun is under 10%.

Reinforcing the conclusion – when the number of army conscripts was slashed in 2004 as part of a cost cutting measure, male suicides also fell sharply. 

Although soldiers do keep their army weapon at home, they’re not supposed to take any ammunition. 

But figures from the army show there are tens of thousands of cannisters of ammunition missing and suitable rounds can be bought at gun shops. 

 

 

More from Bitesize News

  • Economic outlook uncertain for this year

    Switzerland’s economic outlook remains cautious, with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute forecasting growth of around one percent in 2026,although that depends on falling oil prices.

  • Geneva bans the burkini

    Geneva’s parliament has voted to ban the burkini in public swimming pools, ending months of heated debate.

  • Birthday candles banned in Geneva schools

    In response to the fire in Crans Montana, birthday candles have been banned in Geneva’s primary schools.

  • Transit tax moves closer

    Switzerland is moving closer to introducing a transit tax for foreign vehicles crossing the country.

  • Fake Nyon officer fined

    A man in his fifties has been convicted in Vaud after impersonating a police officer in several towns, including Rolle and Nyon.

  • Heavy traffic this Easter

    Heavy traffic is expected across Switzerland over the Easter holiday period, particularly on the A2 Gotthard autoroute and the A13 San Bernardino route from March 27.

Download our app

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play