Gun Violence Awareness

Gun violence has been a major issue in the United States for many years. In 2010 data showed that the United States has had the most deaths due to gun violence compared to any other low-income country. In 2017 the United States had the 28th highest rate of deaths from gun violence in the world.

Every day at least 310 people are shot in the United States and out of those 310 people, 21 of those are children and teens between the age of 1-17. Many children live in homes where their parents own guns and those guns are left in the reach of the children. Also, there have been 2000 mass shootings since Sandy Hook, and most of the gun violence that happens in the east coast of the United States. Many groups have been created to help spread awareness of gun violence. Marches, protest, and walk outs have occurred to help spread awareness of gun violence. Colleges and schools across the states have seen an increase in gun violence. In 2019 there was 22 school shootings from elementary schools to college campuses where at least one person was shot.

Since the mass shootings have increased, schools have invested in better security systems and colleges have strengthen their campus safety programs. Many schools have started to educate students on what to do if there is an active shooter in the building or on the campus. Many colleges have signs posted with information on what a student should do if there was an active shooter on an educational campus. The procedures consist of spending time practicing lock down drills as if there was an active shooter in the building. Schools want to make sure that the students know what to do when there is an active shooter in the building. Although some colleges allow guns on campus and in the classroom or dorm rooms to help defend themselves against school shooting, but it has made it easier for students to shoot up the campus. Many colleges have students starting or joining in gun violence movements to help others and themselves become more educated on gun violence. If more students are aware of gun violence that happens in the U.S, then more students will help the fight to end gun violence.

Some ways colleges can do to help students be more prepared for an active shooter is to have lock down drills every other month. This way students will know the proper procedures during the situation. Also, students who want to help spread awareness about gun violence can create a club about gun awareness. Finally, students who want to be more educated on gun violence should look for gun awareness programs near them.

On a website about the violence of guns it states that "Gun violence is a daily tragedy affecting the lives of individuals around the world. More than 500 people die every day because of violence committed with firearms.

Anyone can be affected by firearm violence but in certain situations gun violence disproportionately impacts communities of color, women and other marginalized groups in society.

Sometimes, the mere presence of firearms can make people feel threatened and fearful for their lives with severe and long-term psychological effects on individuals and whole communities.

When people are afraid of gun violence, this can also have a negative impact on people’s right to education or health care when they are too afraid to attend schools or health facilities or if these services are not fully functioning due to firearm violence in their community." "https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/gun-violence/