Each Day in the U.S., 100 People Are Shot and Killed, Totaling More Than
36,000 Deaths Annually; About 100,000 More Americans Are Wounded by Guns Each Year
In a Recent National Poll, 58 Percent of Adult Respondents Reported That They or Someone They Care for Have Experienced Gun Violence in Their Lifetime
NEW YORK – Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown, released the following statements today applauding Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA) for introducing the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act. This legislation would establish an advisory council to help those affected by all types of gun violence — including survivors and their families, classmates and coworkers of individuals affected by gun violence — learn about and access the resources, programs and benefits that could help them meet a wide range of personal needs. Learn more about the toll of gun violence in America here.
“America is a nation of gun violence survivors — but too often, survivors are on their own when it comes to finding the resources they need to heal,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Senator Casey and Representative Evans for taking action to support the millions of Americans who still bear the physical and emotional scars of gun violence.”
“The pain survivors of gun violence experience goes beyond physical injuries,” said Gina Pelusi, a member of the Everytown Survivor network whose mother, Ruthanne Lodato, was shot and killed answering a knock at the front door of their home in Alexandria, Virginia, on February 6, 2014. “Those injuries affect the lives of family members and friends for not just years, but for lifetimes. While we must do more to prevent gun violence, we as a community must also provide more support for those who endure the devastating effects that follow violence. I am heartened to see our lawmakers working to give survivors the resources we need and deserve.”