Do Something about Firearm Violence

How widespread is firearm violence in the United States?

Firearm violence is a serious and ongoing public health and community safety issue in the United States, with effects that extend past individual incidents to impact entire communities nationwide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms are involved in tens of thousands of deaths each year, including homicides, suicides, and unintentional shootings[1].  For every fatal incident, there are more people injured through lasting physical and emotional impacts.

Research also shows that exposure to firearm violence affects entire communities. Witnessing or living near firearm violence increases stress, anxiety, and fear, even among people who are not directly injured. These impacts ripple outward, influencing perceptions of safety and overall community wellbeing[2].

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). WISQARS: Fatal and Nonfatal Injury Data.
https://wisqars.cdc.gov

[2] Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. The Impact of Gun Violence on Communities.
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions

What culture changes and public policies are necessary for preventing firearm violence?

Preventing firearm violence requires cultural shifts and systemic approaches that prioritize safety, responsibility, and prevention, recognizing that no single solution can address this complex issue on its own.

Culture changes:

• Build conflict prevention and de-escalation skills to reduce the likelihood that disagreements escalate into violence.
• Promote responsible firearm storage and handling to reduce accidental injuries and unauthorized access.
• Engage in conversations about stress, anger, and mental health to encourage support-seeking before crises occur.
• Strengthen community trust and social connection to reduce isolation and increase early intervention opportunities.

Public policy approaches:

• Support evidence-based community violence prevention programs shown to reduce firearm-related harm⁷.
• Expand access to crisis intervention services and mental health supports.
• Improve research and data collection to better understand firearm violence and prevention strategies[1].

[1] National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Gun Violence.
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/gun-violence

What practical solutions are effective for preventing firearm violence?

Practical solutions such as:

• Conflict Prevention and De-escalation Training
• Community-Based Violence Interruption Programs
• Safe Storage Education
• Crisis Response Planning

These approaches can reduce the risk that conflicts turn deadly. For example, safe storage education can promote safety in shared living spaces by reducing unauthorized access and preventing accidental harm.

What can I do to prevent or stop firearm violence?

• Practice de-escalation – Slow down tense situations, use calm language, and create space during conflict.
• Promote safety – Encourage responsible practices and support social connections that reduce isolation and support early intervention.Know the signs – Sudden behavioral changes, intense distress, threats, or fixation on violence signal the need for support[1].
• Support prevention efforts – Engage with local organizations focused on meditation, youth engagement, and community safety[2].

In case of emergency –  Call 911 immediately if firearm violence is occurring or appears imminent.

[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Warning Signs and Crisis Response.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing Violence: A Public Health Approach.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention

Where can I find statistics about firearm violence?

The following sources provide national data and research to help understand the scope and patterns of firearm violence in the United States.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – About firearm injury and death

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – Trends and patterns in firearm violence

National Institute of Justice (NIJ) – Gun violence

Where else might I go to learn more about firearm violence?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Injury prevention data and research

National Institute of Justice (NIJ) – Violence prevention research and evaluation

Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions – Firearm violence research and policy analysis

Futures Without Violence – Prevention education and safety resources

Peace Through Action USA activates and equips Americans to implement practical peaceful solutions to aggression and violence in their communities and our country. We are a national-scope, charitable, social capital-building organization.

 

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