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Child
Health Data Lab
The Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Research
Program
Children's Memorial Research Center
Illinois Violent Death Reporting System
Frequently Asked Questions
IVDRS and gun policy
Data show that firearms account for more violent deaths than all other means combined. Should the Legislature move to increase gun violence prevention measures? If so, what types of gun violence prevention measures should the Legislature look to increase?
Legislators and stakeholders can use the information to assist with targeted legislation efforts. However, IVDRS does not propose solutions or make recommendations based on the data.
Historically, some say gun measures have done very little, if anything, to reduce crime. Can enacting stricter gun legislation reduce violent deaths?
IVDRS data shows that firearms are involved in more violent deaths than any other weapon. Legislators and stakeholders can use this information to develop violence prevention measures.
Do you know how many of the attackers (in homicides) already had a criminal record?
This information is currently not collected. Occasionally we know if the victim had a criminal record. Once IVDRS data is used regularly by stakeholders, it is likely that this type of information may be added to enhance the database.
Why is the firearms use higher among men?
The IVDRS database is a rich compilation of the circumstances surrounding violent death. When the data is repeatedly analyzed over time, and compared to other state databases, the information might lead to better answers to these types of questions.
This is the first release of data from IVDRS. The data will be used by policy makers, advocates, community programs and data providing agencies to inform their prevention efforts. Some advocacy groups may use the data.