It took a massacre worse than any in US history, thirty-five lives (and one gunman) to bring about gun control to its current level in Australia. I don't think the system is perfect, but what brutal massacres have we had since 1996? Dare I say, it would take a similar death toll to Port Arthur before action is taken? I really hope not.
Legislation like what our government introduced will not work in the US; with their gun culture, they won't be able to follow the lead of other countries.
It will take generations of educating kids about the dangers and appropriate use of guns, e.g. how they are NOT a great self-defence mechanism, as many like to claim, how owning a gun without a licence is like driving a car without the necessary training, responsible use of the weapon--you get the idea. It sounds more patronising than it really is.
As for the rape statistics, it may be that guns prevent it from happening somewhat. Maybe they'll reduce shark attack or snakebite rates if we all had one as well.