If you are an American citizen, chances are you or someone you know has been a victim of gun violence.
Everytown for Gun Safety reports that 58% of American adults or someone they have cared for have experienced gun violence in their lifetimes.
That could be via domestic violence, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, a road rage incident or argument. Whatever the case, gun violence in America is about as common as sales tax on a store purchase: In this country, it’s due on a daily basis.
Every day, 321 people are shot in the U.S. with 111 of them dying and 210 of them surviving, according to Brady: United Against Gun Violence, a gun control advocacy organization.
The devastating massacres in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York only reinforce the fact that gun violence in this country is an intractable issue.
Thus, Black Men’s Health has included a list of resources below for anyone who has been a victim of or have been exposed to gun violence:
Resources
Gun Violence Survivors Organization: This organization helps survivors of gun crimes and their families by easing the financial impact placed on them as a result of such incidents. If you are a survivor or lost a friend or family member to gun violence, you can register with GVSO here.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: Helpline volunteers provide answers to your questions, support and practical next steps to help you or a loved one. The NAMI HelpLine is available Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. Contact 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or [email protected].
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Survivors of gun violence often experience trauma in the aftermath and may resort to suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741. This free and confidential resource is available 24/7 every single day of the week.
Office for Victims of Crime: This federal department provides a searchable online directory of organizations nationwide that provide victim counseling, legal support, shelter and financial assistance programs, among other services.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: If you or somebody you know is experiencing distress after an encounter with gun violence, call or text 1-800-985-5990 or visit DisasterDistress.samhsa.gov. The helpline – available 24/7, 365 days a year – provides crisis counseling and support.
Trauma Survivors Network: This organization provides support to people in need of assistance after experiencing serious injury. The aim is to offer survivors stability and community support. This page offers links to various tools such as a community forum, trauma-related reading materials, and access to experts who provide guidance on surviving traumatic events.
