On June 25, 2024, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, declared gun violence a public health crisis. As the nation’s top doctor, he stated, “It will take a collective commitment of our nation to turn the tide. Our children’s and future generations’ safety and well-being are at stake.” Gun violence deaths sharply increased after the pandemic as social isolation and mental health problems increased in every community.

Since 2020, guns have been the leading cause of death for children and younger Americans across all demographics. The 40-page report stated, “In 2022, the Black community endured the most significant firearm homicide rate in every age group, and Black youth accounted for about half of all firearm deaths among all youth, despite making up only 14% of the U.S youth population.”

Every demographic within the U.S. has been affected by gun violence. The proliferation of guns and violence is a symptom of a much bigger problem. Social isolation has contributed to child abuse and neglect, costing taxpayers $220 million a DAY. (Source: CDC)

Where do we go from here?

First, we must engage people in America to create a “collective commitment” to keeping children safe. Second, community leaders must discuss what citizens can do to increase safety, as gang violence raises fear and costs taxpayers $655 billion every year. (Source: youth.com)

Why do citizens need to take responsibility for their neighborhood safety? 

Nationally, there are only 2.5 police officers per every 1000 citizens. Police can only react to crime, while citizen involvement can prevent crime.

As a crime and violence prevention specialist who has worked forty years in high-fear neighborhoods, I saw that the fastest way to create change involves church and faith-based leaders. They can inspire congregations to put a plan of action together to “Love thy neighbor.” When Faith-based groups adopt the block around the church, they can protect the church and help neighbors protect each other. Everyone grows stronger when people talk to each other. As neighbors get acquainted, they provide hope and reduce anxiety and fear as they build trust.

With 350,000 faith-based churches, community elders know that children need a spiritual understanding of themselves. Children learn by example how to stay strong and handle their emotions to grow spiritually centered, which can keep them safe and healthy. Many churches do an excellent job of helping other people with food, shelter, and self-empowerment. They can also create caring neighborhoods that all children need. The government has limitations, but the faith-based community can create national change to keep kids out of gangs, reduce the need for guns, and stop violent behavior before it starts. When “we the people” demonstrate “Love thy Neighbor,” we restore hope and peace to people.

If fear, anger, and violence are stumbling blocks, talk to foundations or community organizations about a grant to train and hire “Neighborhood Safety Experts” (NSEs) from neighborhoods who look like and speak the community’s language. NSEs can be a bridge between neighbors and police to build trust and support for youth. If faith-based communities fill the needs of the people, the people will want to join them to support their families.

Involved neighbors create a safety net around children which benefits everyone:

• Citizens who feel safe and trust their neighbors are less likely to buy guns for protection. Involved neighbors have the power to reduce the need for more police as citizens “circle the wagons” and create a neighborhood safety zone.
• Families with neighbor support can reduce child abuse as friends often help each other. Women counsel and support mothers and daughters, and fathers support and guide men and boys. Neighbors can reduce social isolation and mental health issues.
• When neighbors know and trust each other, they speak up and put a check and balance on negative juvenile behavior. They can stop juvenile bullying, graffiti, smash-and-grab juveniles, and violent behavior at an early age.
• Neighbors who communicate with each other can report activities on the block, such as burglaries, suspicious activities, drug dealing, and prostitution.
• Surrounding youth with caring neighbors can prevent them from joining gangs or becoming violent. Connected youth are less likely to abuse drugs, drop out of school, or become school shooters.
• Relationships can be strengthened between racially diverse neighbors. Neighborhood involvement creates a healthy balance between citizens and police. Neighborhood leaders may evolve into new civic leaders.
• Neighbors can plan get-togethers or youth activities and grow a community garden to improve neighborhood health. With the help of city services, neighbors can clean up their neighborhoods.
• Neighbors can stay involved using the homeowner’s association and a local app to keep residents informed.

Neighbors who experience fear of crime need to hire “Neighborhood Safety Experts (NSEs).

• When people know and trust “NSEs,” they share information they would not tell the police, such as the identity of drug dealers, child abusers, neglected kids, or illegal activities. 
• To reduce fear, anxiety, anger, and social isolation, neighbors living in high-fear areas need “NSEs” to help them come together. Neighborhood support restores hope, reduces social isolation, and improves mental and physical health issues. 
• “NSE” can promote senior support for youth. Involved seniors can share their experiences, teach skills, babysit, become a safe house, or be trained as mediators to help settle neighborhood disputes. Seniors are valuable neighbors for change. They remember safer neighborhoods. 
• “NSE” can designate neighborhood leaders so police can send information and descriptions to leaders who can contact their neighbors. Fast communication can catch criminals and stop destructive juvenile behavior.

Think about this. When we strengthen families, neighborhoods, and communities, we empower the people to become self-reliant, thus Moving away from socialism and governmental control over the lives of freedom-loving Americans.

The post Calming the Perfect Storm for Gun Violence – Where do we go from here? appeared first on Safe Kids Now Network.

Originally Published on https://safekidsnow.com/

Stephanie Mann Author, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

Author, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant – 40 years

Founder/ExecDirector: Safe Kids Now – National Network to strengthen families, neighborhoods, and communities.

Author: 5 Prevention books on home, neighborhood, and city-wide safety.

Stephanie Authored "Alternatives to Fear: Guidelines to Safer Neighborhoods," which helped launch the National "Neighborhood Watch" program.

"Safe Homes Safe Neighborhoods: Stopping Crime Where You Live"
"The Adopt-a-Block Guidebook, "My first steps to a safe neighborhood," and "A Safe Neighborhoods Program Binder for City Leaders"

Latest books, "Empowerment Parenting: How to raise resilient children who become happy, self-reliant adults," empowers parents to help children develop the 3C's: Courage, Character, and a self-protective Conscience so they make good choices for their future. New book soon, "Magical YOU: Empowering Teens to Stay Safe and Healthy in an Unsafe World."

Hosted a national and international TV/Radio program from NY, "The Safe Kids Now Show," on aaumedia.com -

For more information, www.safekidsnow.com.