Gun violence encompasses a variety of situations, including mass shootings, domestic violence involving firearms, accidental discharges, and community violence.

The effects of gun violence extend far beyond physical harm, often leaving psychological scars and trauma on survivors, witnesses, and communities.

People affected by gun violence may experience a spectrum of emotions, such as anger, grief, helplessness, and fear. Those responses are natural and different for each person.

Long-term consequences of gun violence can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Exposure to detailed descriptions or videos of gun violence can be traumatic, particularly for individuals from communities at higher risk of experiencing such violence.

Steer clear of vivid or detailed descriptions of violent events, which can be re-traumatizing for survivors and distressing for your audience.

Never place blame on victims or survivors for the violence inflicted upon them.

Refrain from asking invasive or insensitive questions about the specifics of a violent incident.

Avoid offering commentary that isn’t rooted in fact when discussing a specific event.

Avoid sharing videos of gun violence.

Do not share personal details about a survivor’s experience without their explicit and informed consent.