In the last decade, we have seen our global politics deteriorating to extremist ring-wing governments pledged by xenophobia, hatred, and bullying. Between the fake news and ineffective lawmaking, we saw gun violence rise right in front of us. And now we are left here, wondering about the repercussions this violence has on our children and teenagers.

It goes without saying that the impacts of gun violence on the victims are monumental. No one is humanly capable of survivance violence of this magnitude without leaving traumatized. And speaking about the social, mental, and physical effects left by this horrific crime is a complex task.

Therefore, what is being said here is not the general rule, nor does it has the intention of being. Our goal is to inform and bring consciousness to important, present matters, issues, and stigmas in our society.

According to an article from 2002, kids and teenagers exposed to gun violence experience long-term and short-term psychological effects, such as anger, PTSD, and withdrawal. In the United States, around 3,000 children and teenagers between ages 0 to 9 die are shot and suffer from wounds from shotguns.

Not only that, three million children have their shaped completely different for being a witness of shooting each year. The U.S Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has also shown throughout a survey that kids and teenagers exposed to gun violence are likely to abuse alcohol and drugs.

What is even sadder about all is that gun violence can be predictable. Only we if start seeing it truly is: an epidemic. Just like a virus, we could track this violence, find its causes, invest in research on the matter, and come up with policy solutions.

Besides, it is extremely urgent to bring public awareness to this. Having that in mind, we will go through some of the things that should be done to prevent these crimes from happening once more

First and foremost, we need politics. Even more in this matter, that is so political. That is, the House of Congress should work non-stop in order to establish background checks for gun purchases, for example, setting a thoughtful psychological test for everyone wanting to buy a gun.

When a virus hits a country, all health departments are put on alert, prevention measures are quickly established, and researchers are instantly activated. Gun violence should be treated the same way.

And of course, there is no conversation about violent acts such as these without mentioning the highly need control or even the necessity of simply not allowing people to buy guns anymore.

Out there, we can keep arguing whether we should allow it or how, but the reality is that kids and teenagers are still dying, or losing themselves to the fear because there will never be enough safety in an environment that made us believe that we need guns to protect ourselves.

This is why this conversation is as social as it is political. Because the internal belief that guns make us safer comes from the same group of people that sell them. This particular reason should be enough to make us question if gunfire is the correct response towards danger or it’s aggravated by it.

Nevertheless, if a gun ban is not an alternative people want to take, we still need to think about gun violence as a healthcare problem.

In the United States, for example, highway deaths were cut by 25% in the last decade, without blaming victims, but by making their surroundings safer, the roads safer, the cars safer. Without recognizing it as a healthcare issue, this couldn’t have happened.

Again and again, the public health approach to life threats is evidence-based, proven, and shows improvement in preventing injury and improving health. With this approach, gun violence can definitely be reduced, but not until we recognize that health entities are a big role in this process.

Like an epidemic, they can not end unless we intervene. And this intervention should follow the methods of science, as well as englobing lawmaking and policies. Coming together and standing up against gun violence is only the beginning of this journey of trying to save what we have left.

If you’ve ever been a victim of Gun Violence, please seek out help. And if you know someone that has been a part of or have witnessed these dreadful events, check out these links where you can find assistance in times of crisis:

Gun Violence Resources

beyondblue Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours / 7 days a week.

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline Call 1300 657 380, 9 am-5 pm AEST / 7 days a week.

friendly call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287

Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis. Call 13 11 14.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of gun violence?
Gun violence is the use of firearms to threaten, injure, or kill people.

What is gun violence in English?
In English, gun violence refers to harmful acts committed using firearms.

Why are guns legal in America?
Guns are legal in America due to the Second Amendment and cultural attitudes towards firearms.

Which country has the most guns per capita?
The United States has the highest number of civilian-owned firearms per capita globally.

Read More: How To Get Rid Of The “Diet-Mindset” And Live A More Balanced Lifestyle.