Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Create Additional Resources for Survivors of Gun Violence
The ‘Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act’ Would Establish Advisory Council to Identify Needs of Gun Violence Victims
Read the Bill Here
Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) to introduce the ‘Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act.’ This new legislation would aid survivors of gun violence in navigating the difficult-to-find resources and connect them with victim assistance professionals.
“Every day, more than 100 people are shot and killed in this country yet, for decades, Congress has failed to act to stop the gun violence epidemic,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This scourge of gun violence leaves far too many children and families with immense physical and emotional trauma. Not only will I continue to fight for commonsense gun safety legislation, I will never stop fighting for the survivors whose lives have been upended by gun violence.”
The Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act would:
Address these challenges by establishing an Advisory Council to help all victims of gun violence – from survivors to their loved ones, coworkers, and classmates – identify and access the resources available to them to help meet a wide range of personal needs.
Convene representatives across a variety of federal agencies, victim assistance professionals such as medical specialists and social workers, and victims of gun violence to lead the Council.
Require the Council to assess the comprehensive needs of victims of gun violence and in turn, gather and disseminate information about the resources, programs, and benefits available to victims to help meet their needs.
Require the Council to submit a report to Congress on its finding
The effects of gun violence extend far beyond when the last bullet is shot – they almost always pose long-term physical and mental health implications. The average cost of health care for survivors is about $35,000 on average, which accounts for lab tests, images, and home care, as well as much-needed mental health services. A growing number of victims of gun violence are facing long-term disabilities, most notably paralysis, limited mobility, and even psychiatric disorders.
Researchers observe about a 70% increase in psychiatric disorders, most notably Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. Survivors suffer a 90% increase in substance abuse disorders with parents of survivors also experiencing a 30% increase in substance abuse. The Journal of Criminal Justice urges for improved trauma informed services and connection to mental health care to help victims of gun violence.
Congressman Dan Goldman is fighting to implement legislation that supports victims of gun violence and prevents future mass shootings from occurring. In April 2023, Congressman Goldman joined Congressman Maxwell Frost (FL-10) to call for the creation of a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Following their call, the Biden Administration created the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. This new office, overseen by Vice President Kamala Harris, focuses on implementing executive and legislative action, including the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
In November, Congressman Goldman cosponsored the ‘Responsible Firearms Marketing Act,’ which would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study the dangers of unfair and deceptive marketing and advertising practices utilized by the gun industry.
Congressman Goldman is a Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and is Chair of the Dads Caucus Gun Violence Prevention Working Group.
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