Sandy Hook Promise’s Post

Correlation is not causation! A quick and insightful read on the relationship between mental health and gun violence. Fact: "People with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence, not perpetrators, and severe mental illness can only be attributed to 3 to 5 percent of violent acts in communities." Fact: "Most gun deaths are not the result of mass violence but are the result of suicide. Gun suicides account for over half of all gun deaths in the U.S. each year, contributing to suicides becoming a leading cause of death in America." Fact: "Evidence shows that in a moment of crisis, having a firearm stored securely can prevent fatal outcomes. Even a 20 percent increase in the number of American households practicing safe storage could prevent almost one-third of all annual youth firearm deaths from unintentional shootings and suicide."

Why are so many people feeling the effects of trauma today? One big reason: gun violence. It's hitting communities of color hardest and we can't look away. Gun violence is linked with deep issues like unfair social systems, poverty, and injustice. It's more than just a safety problem; it's a health emergency. This article details the steps Boston is taking that include plans that focus on people, but we need to do this everywhere. #GunViolencePrevention #publichealth https://lnkd.in/eWuqTcms

Community-based programming is so powerful. Low-risk, high-reward strategies need to be funded.

I think one thing America is exceptionally good at is turning a problem into something that it’s not. Less than 10% of people suffering from mental illness are dangerous yet there’s a continuous narrative that whenever a mass shooting occurs, it is simply because that person needed mental health services… I think it’s easy to blame mental health and it’s the quickest scapegoat so we don’t have to face the actual problem… Don’t get me wrong. I’m not sure what the problem is. Stricter gun laws? More rigorous background checks? Limited accessibility to firearms? Proper training for each person wanting a firearm? I’m not sure. But mental health is simply not the only answer.

My deepest condolences go out to everyone affected by today’s devastating and tragic mass shooting in Kansas City. What I’m going to say next, I‘ve said at least thousand times. The vast majority of you won’t read this part and the vast majority of the people who read it won’t do anything about it beyond “like” the post, which is basically the same as doing nothing. Indifference is far worse than hate, because indifference allows hate to grow and spread. We must start teaching people how to love themselves and others. The vast majority of mass shootings and other senseless violence are a direct result of the fact that no schools teach how to love and very few households model how to love (because the parents have never been taught). We have to make this a priority or else we will continue this sick cycle of violence, thoughts, prayers, and thousands of senseless deaths and injuries every year. We cannot arrest our way out of this problem. We won’t pray our way out because even God told us that faith without works is dead. Stiffer penalties won’t solve it. Kudos to our brave members of law enforcement for their bravery, but we need to stop these tragedies from happening long before they happen! For the love of God, we need to wake up and stop being so indifferent. We need to take action and by “we” I mean you! Stop thinking that someone else will solve this problem because they won’t. It’s up to you. Join the L.O.V.E. Is The Answer Movement and become the solution. L.O.V.E. Is The Answer https://lnkd.in/e6-Bhktg

Gun violence is not normal, and Americans do not need to accept it as such.  We have the tools, strategies, and people to prevent daily tragedies resulting from this violence. But for too long, the federal government has dramatically underspent on proven community-based programs that address the root causes of gun violence, while spending billions in reactive interventions after harmful and fatal incidents have already occurred. It’s time for a proactive approach. Tell Congress to pass the Break the Cycle of Violence Act now to provide federal grants for community violence intervention programs.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death in the U.S.--over motor vehicles and cancer. People are scared to leave their homes and fear they will lose a loved one. This is part of the ripple effect gun violence has on society at large. Gun violence is a public health crisis that deserves a public health solution. Community violence intervention is part of that solution. https://lnkd.in/ez4BUZ7U teny oded gross Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) Metropolitan Peace Initiatives #SupportCVI #endgunviolence

Part 3: In the last part of the Bonnie Boswell Report’s series, Brian Malte emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of gun violence. Community violence interventions (CVI) are reshaping gun violence prevention, steering us towards a world where choosing non-violence is achievable. 👁️ Watch here: https://lnkd.in/dEvxFUYT  

How do you respond to the situation where a Burke County pastor faces charges after his 2-year-old son was accidentally shot by a sibling, and what are your thoughts on the community's reaction? Miraculous Recovery Amidst Tragedy: Pastor Charged in Accidental Shooting. Pastor Adam Vines faces a misdemeanor charge after his 2-year-old son was accidentally shot by a sibling outside their church. The unsecured firearm, left in a vehicle, led to the incident. The child, Daniel, recovered after a month of therapy. Key Takeaways: - Pastor Faces Charges: Pastor Adam Vines charged after his 2-year-old son's accidental shooting, emphasizing the importance of responsible firearm ownership. - Community Resilience: Despite legal implications, the community focuses on gratitude for Daniel's recovery, highlighting resilience and support during challenging times. - Firearm Safety Reflection: The incident prompts reflection on the need for secure firearm storage, advocating for responsible practices to prevent accidents within homes and communities. #churchsafety #churchsecurity https://lnkd.in/gm4Nychb