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Need to Know
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.
Gun violence prevention and intervention can involve policy reform, community programs, mental health support, and education on gun safety.
Things to Avoid
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.
Avoid oversimplifying the issue or suggesting quick fixes to the deeply rooted problem of gun violence.
Your Opportunity
Promote a culture of empathy and understanding by sharing messages that acknowledge the profound impact of gun violence on individuals and communities.
Use your platform to elevate the stories of survivors, the work of advocacy groups, and initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence, such as Everytown.
Provide resources and information that can assist people affected by gun violence in finding support and starting the healing process.
Resources
Everytown →
Learn more about trauma and gun violence from Everytown.
The Jed Foundation →
Get tips for coping with traumatic events from the JED Mental Health Resource Center.
Everytown →
Find information and support groups through the Everytown Survivor Network.
Dial 988 Hotline →
Dial 988 or text HOME to 741-741 for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor 24/7.
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