Gun violence is a leading cause of death and injury to children, and continues to be a major risk factor to many children nationwide, whether at home or in their community. Twenty years separate the Columbine and Newtown tragedies, yet we are no closer to addressing the root causes of gun violence, particularly as it affects children. And potential causes, such as the impact of violent media and the accessibility of weapons, are hotly contested as illustrated by the recent Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Entertainment Merchant’s Ass’n and current Congressional debates over gun regulation. Nor do we adequately understand the impact on children of witnessing gun violence. This is particularly significant in the family violence context, where children too frequently experience trauma by witnessing violence between their parents or other intimate partners, and by being harmed themselves. Topics to be addressed include the potential causes and ways to prevent gun violence by and against children, as well as the impact on children of witnessing violence.
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.