Gun-related violence is a serious public health epidemic in the United States. The country has high gun ownership rates, which has thus been attributed as a major cause of gun violence. When many people own guns, they are likely to resort to the use of guns in resolving their issues. According to Brown and Barthelemy (2019), racial bias has also contributed to racial disparity in gun-related violence within the United States (Parr 5). The issue of gun violence has greatly impacted many people, communities, and families.
For individuals who have been shot or their relatives have faced gun violence, there is an extent of emotional and physical trauma. Many families and victims have devastating impacts when subjected to such violence. Taken the case of Alton Sterling, who was shot by two rogue police officers. The incident resulted in tensions between the community and the police department in Boston. Besides the emotional trauma, gun violence is seriously attributed to tension and fragile relationship between law enforcement officers and communities. Both sides-police officers and the affected communities-might not trust one another in issues resolutions within the community.
The social response includes prevention, community-based alternative responses, and gun reform strategies for the benefit of society. According to Gearhart et al. (2019), Gun reform involves effective legislative changes, which could be instrumental in ensuring gun prevention. Gun reforms include high-capacity magazine limitations, universal background checks, and strict gun dealership regulations. In the case of community responses, there is a major need to address gun violence’s primary causes. Strategies includes dealing with issues such as providing educational services, addressing the issue of poverty, and enabling the creation of employment opportunities in neighborhoods where gun violence is rampant. The government could also assist low-income families with financial support to prevent any member from engaging with certain violent groups as a means of livelihood (“In Powerful Testimony, Witnesses Share Their Personal Experiences with Gun Violence and Call for Congressional Action 2022”). Supporting youths with educational campaigns and empowerment can help them engage in legal financial generating activities.
Social workers remain crucial in addressing the underlying issue of gun violence. With their intensive training, they are in a very good position to many social challenges. The workers could also advocate for positive policies for the general benefit of the communities and individuals. Through elaborate engagement with key community stakeholders, policymakers, and community members, they can champion the effective implementation of measures dealing with gun violence Gearhart et al. (2019). These measures could help in preventing or minimizing the levels of gun-related violence. Besides community engagement, social workers could also provide guidance and counseling to various victims who have been severely affected by circumstances of gun violence.
From the above analysis, gun violence has negatively impacted communities and families in the United States. Social response and community engagement thus remain crucial strategies in dealing with the underlying challenges. Social workers have also been stated to play a central role in ensuring gun violence prevention and supporting families affected by gun violence. When gun violence is effectively addressed, it could result in a much safer and more peaceful co-existing society.
References
Brown, M. E., & Barthelemy, J. J. (2019). The Aftermath of Gun Violence: Implications for Social Work in Communities. Health & Social Work, 44(4), 271–275. Web.
Gearhart, M. C., Berg, K. A., Jones, C., & Johnson, S. D. (2019). Fear of Crime, Racial Bias, and Gun Ownership. Health & Social Work, 44(4), 241–248. Web.
In Powerful Testimony, Witnesses Share Their Personal Experiences With Gun Violence and Call for Congressional Action. (2022). House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Web.