OAJ Hot Take: A Closer Look at the Lifelong Impact of Gun Violence
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The piece below is part of our weekly blog post series written by the Open-Air Journal team where we explore issues at Heller, current events, or whatever is presently on our minds.
In the wake of gun violence incidents, our collective attention is drawn to the immediate aftermath—the tragic events, the victims, and the heated debates surrounding gun control. However, the general public tends to move on quickly and often overlook the silent struggle endured by survivors who must grapple with lifelong trauma.
This phenomenon demands recognition and empathy. While discussions around gun violence rightly focus on prevention and legislative measures, we must not miss the life-long struggles that survivors face.
National Gun Violence Survivors Week, recognized January 22 to 26 was created by Everytown for Gun Safety. It serves as a poignant reminder that the toll of gun violence extends far beyond the headlines. This annual observance, now in its sixth year, strives to shed light on the often-unseen struggles of survivors and highlight the urgent need for resources and support. By dedicating an entire week to the survivors of gun violence, they emphasize the importance of acknowledging and addressing the lasting effects of such incidents.
Survivors of gun violence face a unique set of challenges that go beyond physical wounds. Manifesting in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the psychological toll of such traumatic experiences can linger for a lifetime. Yet, society's attention tends to wane once the media frenzy subsides, leaving survivors to largely navigate the difficult path of healing on their own.
Every day in America, at least 120 people are shot and killed, more than 200 are shot and wounded, and countless others experience the collective trauma of gun violence.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the ramifications of gun violence, it is imperative that we bring these hidden aspects forward. By acknowledging and addressing the emotional, medical, financial, and legal needs of survivors, we create a more empathetic conversation surrounding gun violence. By focusing on the mental wounds, not just the physical, this approach aims to foster shared awareness among both policymakers and the general public, ensuring recognition of the full extent of the hardships faced by those affected.
It would benefit everyone if policymakers and the general public were aware of the services offered to those affected by gun violence incidents. This is particularly crucial given that 59 percent of adults, or someone they know, have experienced gun violence in their lifetime. It is often convenient to compartmentalize and perceive gun violence as happening to the 'other,' but the reality is that any one of us could become a victim at any given moment. Rather than offering mere thoughts and prayers and subsequently forgetting about the community after each shooting, we should concentrate on establishing a more robust support system for individuals in the aftermath of such incidents.
Emotional needs, such as trauma counseling, an understanding of grief, and support or therapy groups, are integral components of the healing process for survivors of gun violence. Unfortunately, these crucial aspects are often overshadowed by sensationalism in the media, contributing to a distorted public perception of the long-term strain on individuals and communities.
Everytown found that most people who survived being shot and wounded feel the need for mental health support and therapy. The organization's findings highlight various needs among individuals who were shot and wounded. Specifically, 49 percent of them are seeking assistance with legal issues as victims of crime, 40 percent are in need of financial support for medical expenses such as therapy and surgery, 25 percent require home health care, and 7 percent are looking for support with funeral expenses.
Some gun violence survivors receive no services. Everytown found that fewer than half of the survivors reported having access to the necessary support, assistance, or services within the first six months or a year or more after the trauma of gun violence. One survivor felt ignored by law enforcement, focusing more on charging the perpetrator than providing support to them and their daughter. She declared that “No services were ever offered…Myself and my younger daughter were simply, I believe, considered to be bystanders.”
The U.S. mental health system faces critical challenges, including a nationwide shortage of providers and therapy costs ranging from $65 to $250 per hour for the uninsured. With over 112 million Americans in areas lacking sufficient mental health resources, especially in rural and low-income urban areas, accessibility issues are prominent. A 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation report highlighted barriers like high costs, lack of insurance, and provider shortages, affecting a significant portion of the population—nearly 149 million residing in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. Focusing specifically on PTSD, gun violence survivors bear a hefty financial burden. The American Psychological Foundation reveals an annual cost of $18,640 per person for PTSD treatment, encompassing both direct healthcare expenses and unemployment.
Highlighting these overlooked areas becomes paramount not only during Gun Violence Survivor Week but also in shaping comprehensive policies. The financial toll of gun violence is staggering. For fatal firearm injuries alone, the costs are relatively straightforward, with an average cost of $9,000 per patient. As reported by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, survivors of gun-related injuries face an initial healthcare spending spike exceeding $25,000 in the first month. Unfortunately, these costs persist and escalate over time.
The reality is that taxpayers, survivors, families, and employers bear a substantial burden, paying an average of $7.79 million daily in healthcare costs related to gun violence. This includes immediate and long-term medical and mental health care, as well as patient transportation costs. Furthermore, society loses an estimated $147.32 million per day due to work missed as a result of injury or death.
Advocating for financial support, victim compensation programs, and economic resources is crucial. This extends beyond only one week, and must become an integral part of ongoing efforts to address economic disparities and ensure that survivors and their families do not face insurmountable financial challenges.
Society must recognize that gun violence's devastation extends beyond a single moment in time—it reverberates through the lives of survivors indefinitely. The scars, both visible and invisible, serve as a constant reminder of the trauma endured and the resilience required to rebuild shattered lives.
As we mark the sixth National Gun Violence Survivors Week, let's move beyond mere lip service and actively work towards building a society that recognizes, supports, and uplifts survivors. Policymakers, in addressing measures related to gun control, health, and community funding, must fully grasp the enduring consequences for survivors. Only by acknowledging these long-term impacts can we hope to break the cycle of silence and neglect that has surrounded those affected by gun violence for far too long.