The Problem of Gun Violence<\/h2>\n
Many New Yorkers don\u2019t fully understand the far-reaching impact that gun violence has for survivors and their families and communities. For communities of color and, particularly young boys and men of color, many people don\u2019t know gun violence support<\/a> is available or simply aren\u2019t offered help.<\/p>\n When there is an incident involving a gun, there is an effect on an entire community, not just one person. In the aftermath of a shooting incident, the family members of the person who may have been shot are all affected. Community members who heard or witnessed the shooting are impacted by the trauma of being near a shooting incident, and an individual survivor has to cope with the traumatic aftermath of being shot or shot at. Some people may experience anxiety or fear about leaving their home or walking outside because of the trauma experienced during the shooting. Sadly, often families grieve the loss of a family member murdered.<\/p>\n Addressing gun violence in New York City and the country involves changing mindsets of people. We all need to stop thinking this cannot happen to you or someone you care about. The statistics are clear that gun violence can impact people you know. When these incidents occur, it is important not to blame the victims of a shooting for being in the way of a bullet.<\/p>\n Aside from legislation and policy initiatives, people need to understand and appreciate the value of life. It is important to go beyond the idea that we could eliminate guns all together, but rather rethink how we manage conflict. At Safe Horizon we are raising awareness of the factors that contribute to the rise in gun violence. These factors include economic factors, systemic racism, and the environments in which people live.<\/p>\n While we support meaningful and common-sense gun reform policy<\/a>, we also understand that addressing the mental health and economic issues that contribute to gun violence are also important.<\/p>\n If you or your family are affected by gun violence, Safe Horizon is here for you. Safe Horizon\u2019s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse. We help gun violence victims, including families of people murdered by gun violence, in New York City recover from trauma while providing comprehensive services, including counseling, advocacy, and safety planning. We are available to anyone regardless of their immigration status.<\/p>\n \u25cf Crime Victims Hotline<\/strong> \u25cf Community Programs<\/strong> \u25cf Crime Victim Assistance Program<\/strong> \u25cf SafeChat<\/strong> \u25cf Court Programs<\/strong> \u25cf Counseling Center<\/strong> Safe Horizon offers support for gun violence victims and families in New York City<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":{"id":9685,"alt_text":"Support children and families in domestic violence shelters","caption":"Peggy Duffy Memorial fund","description":"Support children and families in domestic violence shelters","media_type":"image","media_details":{"width":512,"height":512,"file":"2022\/07\/Safe-Horizon-Flower-Logo_TransparentThumbnail.png","filesize":31715,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"Safe-Horizon-Flower-Logo_TransparentThumbnail-300x300.png","width":300,"height":300,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":18595,"source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Safe-Horizon-Flower-Logo_TransparentThumbnail-300x300.png"},"thumbnail":{"file":"Safe-Horizon-Flower-Logo_TransparentThumbnail-150x150.png","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":8008,"source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Safe-Horizon-Flower-Logo_TransparentThumbnail-150x150.png"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[]}},"post":9684,"source_url":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Safe-Horizon-Flower-Logo_TransparentThumbnail.png"},"parent":745,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"class_list":["post-9730","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-en","issue-gun-violence"],"acf":{"page_header_title":"","title_font_size":"42","page_header_excerpt":"Resources for families and survivors of Gun Violence","sub-headline_placement":false,"page_header_image":false,"custom_scripts":false,"after_post_content":false,"show_sidebar_nav":true,"sidebar_menu":"58596aa7b40bf","hide_share_buttons":false,"maximum_container_width":"0","get_informed_title":"Whether you are a survivor of a gun violence incident, a family member of a victim, or have been impacted by gun violence in any way, you are not alone and we are here for you. Learn about Counseling options Safe Horizon can provide. ","get_informed_title_link":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/our-services\/counseling\/","get_informed_featured_posts":[{"ID":6363,"post_author":"13","post_date":"2018-10-05 20:50:33","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-05 20:50:33","post_content":"Solutions for Gun Violence<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/a><\/p>\nOur Programs and Services for Gun Violence Victims in New York City<\/span><\/h2>\n
Learn more about our Support Programs:<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nFor help with all crimes, including support for family members of homicide victims, please call our Crime Victims Hotline<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nIf you are unsure of what next steps to take, visit Safe Horizon\u2019s Community Program<\/a> offices that serve all five boroughs of New York City as they can assist in sharing your options.<\/p>\n
\nSuppose you need guidance in communicating with law enforcement, reviewing police reports, or filing one. In that case, our Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)<\/a> works with law enforcement officials to help victims of all crimes. Our CVAP advocates speak 15 languages and can access Language Line if needed. They will also work with victims who do not have legal status in the U.S.<\/p>\n
\nGet in touch with one of Safe Horizon\u2019s client advocates through our live chat online<\/a> platform to receive more information on what steps to take, advocacy, and support. Our chat is available Mon – Fri : 9:AM – 6:PM ET. If you\u2019re in need outside our live chat hours, please don\u2019t hesitate to contact our hotlines<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nSafe Horizon’s Family Court Programs<\/a> and Criminal Court Programs<\/a> can assist victims needing legal guidance.<\/p>\n
\nThe Counseling Center<\/a> assists victims in healing from intense, debilitating trauma.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"4](\"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/4-Things-You-Can-Do-to-Reduce-Gun-Violence_Gun-Violence-Panel-1024x689.jpg\")
\r\n\r\nOctober 5, 2018<\/em>\r\n\r\nEvery day, 96 Americans are killed with guns, and hundreds more are shot and injured, according to Everytown for Gun Violence.<\/a><\/u>\u00a0At Safe Horizon, we support survivors of gun violence and families of homicide victims every day. We recently convened a panel of experts to discuss the gun violence epidemic, and what we can do about it. Here are four key takeaways from the discussion, and four ways you can take action, today!\r\nWhat You Need to Know About Gun Violence<\/h1>\r\n1. The Issue of Gun Violence is so Much More Complex That What We See in the News<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u201cMass shootings are just a small part of the issue of gun violence, but also the most publicized.\u201d Eric Tirschwell, Everytown for Gun Safety.<\/em>\r\n\r\nGun violence is frequently a symptom of more fundamental injustices, including racism and economic disempowerment. Most gun violence occurs on a much smaller scale than a mass shooting, but it is frequently not random, either. Systemic disinvestment in communities creates environments more conducive to crime, including gun violence. Lack of opportunities and basic resources can lead an individual to do things they wouldn\u2019t otherwise do, to regain a sense of safety and control.\r\n\r\n2. Reducing Gun Violence Involves Thinking Creatively and Compassionately About Resolving Conflict<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAll violence involves conflict, but not all conflict has to involve violence. \u201cPeace does not mean conflict-free. Peace is being able to work through things in ways that don\u2019t endanger you and me.\u201d Tiffany Murray, Save our Streets.<\/em>\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0Race is a Critical Factor in the Way We Do - Or Don't - Understand Who Feels the Impact of Gun Violence, and How<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn remembering white victims of gun violence, news reports tend to highlight their achievements, their best qualities, and their lost potential. For many victims who are people of color, the news presents a very different narrative. Individually and systemically, their deaths are minimized or even justified by judgments about their decisions or lifestyle, and the result is a dismissal of their humanity. Representation matters and every life lost to gun violence was a whole person with a complex set of experiences, achievements, flaws, and potential.\r\n\r\n4. There Are Important Parallels Between Gun Violence and Other Forms of Violence<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWomen in abusive relationships are 5 times more likely to be killed if there\u2019s a gun in their home, according to research published in the American Journal of Public Health in July 2003.\u00a0<\/a>The mere presence of a gun can also facilitate crimes like assault, trafficking, and robbery. \u201cA gun doesn\u2019t have to be discharged to do harm.\u201d Kimmi Herring, Safe Horizon<\/em>\r\n
What You Can Do About Gun Violence<\/h1>\r\n1. Connect With Organizations and Communities Who Are Already Working to Address Gun Violence<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Many individuals and groups are making great strides. Connect with them, and work to amplify their message.\r\n\r\n2. Engage on a political level: Campaign! Register! Vote!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThere are unusually high political and legislative barriers to gun reform, many of which cannot be overcome without responsive representation. Voting is an essential piece of the puzzle.\r\n\r\n3. Build New Relationships, and Start in Your Own Community<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u201cDon\u2019t just speak to the neighbor who speaks to you all the time, speak to the one who doesn\u2019t speak to you. Those are things that change communities and change relationships.\u201d Tiffany Murray, Save Our Streets Bed-Stuy<\/em>\r\n\r\n4. Keep the Conversation Going, Even When You Encounter Barriers<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\u201cTalk to your friends. Talk to family members. Talk to people who don\u2019t necessarily agree with you.\u201d Eric Tirschwell, Everytown for Gun Safety<\/em>\r\n
Support for c<\/strong>rime victims and their loved ones is available through our 24\/7 Crime Victims Hotline: 866-689-HELP(4357). <\/strong><\/a><\/h1>\r\n
Our Community Programs<\/a> work to provide ongoing support to survivors of crime and violence. To schedule an appointment, call our Helpline during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at 855-234-1042<\/a>. <\/strong><\/h1>\r\nThank you to our panelists!<\/strong><\/em>\r\n\r\nKimmi Herring <\/strong>\r\n\r\nDirector, Brooklyn Community Program, Safe Horizon<\/a><\/u>\r\n\r\nTiffany Murray <\/strong>\r\n\r\nProgram Manager, Save Our Streets Bed-Stuy<\/a><\/u>\r\n\r\nEric Tirschwell <\/strong>\r\n\r\nDirector, Litigation and National Enforcement Policy, Everytown for Gun Safety<\/a><\/u>","post_title":"Four Things You Can Do to Reduce Gun Violence","post_excerpt":"Safe Horizon recently convened a panel of experts to discuss the gun violence epidemic, and what we can do about it. Here are four key takeaways from the discussion, and four ways you can take action, today!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"gun-violence-panel","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-06-10 13:11:03","post_modified_gmt":"2025-06-10 17:11:03","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/?p=6363","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":9863,"post_author":"13","post_date":"2022-10-12 10:25:41","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-12 14:25:41","post_content":"October 2022<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe facts and stats around domestic violence and gun violence are clear: When someone who is abusive has access to a gun, victims and their children are in serious and immediate danger.\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s why we are shining a light on the intersection between gun violence and domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please read this blog post to learn how guns dramatically increase the risk of homicide for victims of domestic abuse, how the threat of gun violence impacts children, why guns in the home go underreported, and critically, how survivors can get help.\r\n
Statistics: How domestic violence survivors experience guns violence<\/h2>\r\n
![\"Domestic](\"http:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Domestic-Violence-Victim-Homicide-Gun-Statistic_DVAM-2022.png\")
\r\n\r\nPeople causing harm do many things to control domestic violence survivors and anyone involved in the abusive relationship. Guns are a serious threat on their own and when an abuser has access to a gun, domestic violence survivors are at much greater risk. According to the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) July 2003 via Everytown<\/a>, domestic violence victims are five times more likely to be killed when guns are in reach.\r\n\r\n![\"Guns](\"http:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Guns-Children-Teens-Leading-Cause-of-Death_DVAM-2022.png\")
\r\n\r\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics data compiled by Everytown: The Impact of Gun Violence on Children and Teens,<\/a> guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens. Nearly 3 in 4 children and teens killed in mass shootings died in an incident connected to domestic violence. (Everytown: Mass Shootings in America<\/a>)\r\n\r\nGun violence does not have to be fatal to cause harm. Children living in homes where domestic violence is present are exposed to, or experience, higher rates of physical and sexual assault. (DOJ, OJP<\/a>)\r\nFacts: How guns are used to abuse domestic violence survivors and children<\/h2>\r\nGuns put survivors' lives in more danger.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n[gallery size=\"medium\" columns=\"2\" ids=\"9877,9878,9879,9880\"]\r\n\r\nSurvivors experience psychological terror when threatened with a gun. The person causing harm can threaten to shoot the survivor, a pet, or a person the victim cares about. In addition, they could clean, hold, or load a gun or even fire the gun during an argument.\r\n\r\nWhen domestic violence escalates because of gun violence, children can suffer the most.\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n
![\"Children](\"http:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Children-Witness-Parent-Killed-with-Gun-Domestic-Violence-Infographic.png\")
Children who see their parent killed with a gun suffer severe PTSD, behavioral problems, and suicidal thoughts. Child trauma from witnessing a parent killed often follows children into adulthood. (Journal of Family Issues<\/a>)\r\nWhy Domestic Violence Survivors Don\u2019t Report Guns in the Home<\/h2>\r\nGuns in the home make domestic violence survivors afraid for their lives, even if the person abusing them isn\u2019t home. That fear, and the trauma it causes, can last for years, even after a survivor is physically safe.\r\n\r\nSometimes they have access to a gun because they are or were previously employed by law enforcement. Other survivors have had negative experiences with the justice system and simply don\u2019t believe that reporting that their partner has a gun will help them.\r\n
How Safe Horizon Can Help<\/h2>\r\nSafe Horizon can support domestic violence survivors who have been threatened with or experienced gun violence. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you\u2019re looking for long-term support or connections to resources, call our 24\/7 hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)<\/a>.","post_title":"Domestic Violence, Guns, and Children: Facts and Statistics","post_excerpt":"This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we highlight the facts and statistics of around guns and domestic violence: how guns dramatically increase risk for domestic abuse survivors, create fear and violence for children in the home, and how survivors can get help.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"domestic-violence-guns-and-children-facts-and-stats","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-06-10 13:54:54","post_modified_gmt":"2025-06-10 17:54:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/?p=9863","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10470,"post_author":"13","post_date":"2023-10-31 14:36:53","post_date_gmt":"2023-10-31 18:36:53","post_content":"
![\"United](\"http:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/United-States-vs.-Rahimi-Supreme-Court-Case-Domestic-Violence-Gun-Violence.jpg\")
\r\n\r\nOn November 7, 2023, the United States Supreme Court will hear United States vs. Rahimi. This critical case will determine whether persons charged with domestic violence offenses may be permitted to retain ownership of firearms. If the court decides in favor of Rahimi, it will immediately affect the safety and well-being of domestic violence survivors and their families in New York, and across the country.\u202f<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis case rests on a challenge made by Mr. Rahimi. As per the ACLU website, Mr. Rahimi was convicted of possessing a gun while subject to a domestic violence protective order, issued after he violently assaulted his domestic partner in a parking lot and shot a gun when he noticed that others had witnessed his abuse. Mr. Rahimi challenged the law as a violation of the Second Amendment right to bear arms (Source: https:\/\/www.aclu.org\/cases\/united-states-v-rahimi<\/a>)\r\n\r\nAs part of Safe Horizon\u2019s advocacy for survivor-informed legislation, we hosted two roundtable discussions regarding this case in partnership with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Commissioner Cecile Noel of the Mayor\u2019s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV), Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and Safe Horizon staff and clients. The roundtable discussions brought domestic violence survivors\u2019 voices to the public conversation and drew attention to our deep concern about the potential upending of current protections for domestic violence survivors from gun violence and how it will put the safety of survivors at risk. You can find a recording on our Instagram<\/a>.\r\n\r\n![\"New](\"http:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/NYS-Gov-Kathy-Hochul-Safe-Horizon-CEO-Liz-Roberts-at-Domestic-Violence-Gun-Violence-Roundtable-scaled.jpg\")
\r\n\r\nAt one of the roundtables, Liz Roberts, Safe Horizon CEO, said that \"The stakes could not be any higher: will the United States Supreme Court vote to allow domestic violence offenders and other persons who have been served protective orders to own or\u202fpossess\u202fa firearm, or will they vote to ensure safety for survivors?\" and a Safe Horizon client, a survivor of gun violence herself, remarked that \u201cIf this decision is overturned where people who cause harm can have guns, our future, our children's future, will be affected.\u201d\r\n\r\nThese quotes highlight the reality that this Supreme Court case will quite literally mean life and death.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAccording to Everytown for Gun Safety, abusers with firearms are five times more likely to kill their victims<\/strong>. Moreover, Everytown reports that an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner each month (Source: everytownresearch.org\/domestic-violence<\/a>).\r\n\r\nWe urge you to join us in calling for the Supreme Court to prioritize the safety of domestic violence survivors! To help spread the message of the impact this case might have, you can find a series of graphics<\/a> on our social media \u2013 we invite you to share with your networks.","post_title":"United States vs. Rahimi: The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Gun Violence","post_excerpt":"United States vs. Rahimi Supreme Court Case will determine whether persons charged with domestic violence offenses may be permitted to retain ownership of firearms.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"united-states-vs-rahimi-the-intersection-of-domestic-violence-and-gun-violence","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-06-10 13:55:35","post_modified_gmt":"2025-06-10 17:55:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.safehorizon.org\/?p=10470","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"banner_type":"default","eyebrow":"","heading":"","text":"","primary_cta":""},"yoast_head":"\n