One in four US children exposed to weapon violence, study finds
BMJ 2015; 350 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3159 (Published 09 June 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h3159
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Over the past decade, gun violence and its impact on children, families, and communities has risen to the forefront of public awareness. Much of the consideration has focused on gun regulation and restricting access to guns by potential abusers, principally those with criminal record and psychological issues. Unfortunately, little attention has been given to the consequences of gun violence on victims. While individuals killed and injured in incidents such as the Aurora Theater mass shooting and the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre are widely remembered and mourned, victims of these events are not limited to those men, women, and children killed, wounded, or present during these horrific events. The concerns of gun violence are more prevalent and affect entire communities, families, and children. With more than 26% of children witnessing an act of violence in their homes, schools, or community over the past year, and more than 13% witnessing a shooting [1], it turn out to be not just an issue of gun regulation, but also of addressing the impact on those who have been traumatized by such violence.
Addressing the social, emotional, and physical well-being and mental health and psycho-social recovery of children exposed to gun violence is a multifaceted process that entails accurate documentation of those affected. It requires a sufficient number of providers trained in age-appropriate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed treatments to concurrently understand all of the concerns the victimized children may have. In addition, it requires our society to find ways to reduce the actual numbers of children who are initially exposed to gun violence. However, this is no easy task, given the many settings in our world that contain violent situations or imagery: schools, homes, communities, and the media. It will require collaboration between various agencies, specific communities, and professionals actively combating this issue.
Correspondences: Roman.Shrestha@UConn.edu
References
1. Mitchell KJ, Hamby SL, Turner HA, Shattuck A, Jones LM. Weapon Involvement in the Victimization of Children. Pediatrics 2015.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Re: One in four US children exposed to weapon violence, study finds
May I strongly support the response of Shrestha and Karki to this news on violence close to home. There is also the parallel concern about widespread access to guns that become a public health hazard to children. The attached advice poster is freely available from Moms Demand Action for gun sense in America, a voluntary organisation across 50 States set up by people bereaved by bullets (https://www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction?fref=nf ).
Competing interests: No competing interests