~ The United States is facing a national public health crisis of gun violence, with an average of more than 13,000 homicides each year. This has resulted in an average of over 130,000 new survivors of homicide victims each year. These survivors are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, partners, grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family members, friends, neighbors, classmates and colleagues across the country.

Homicide is the leading cause of death among Black Americans ages 12 through 19 and the second leading cause of death for teenagers nationwide. Almost 1 in 4 Black American and Latino adults report having lost a loved one to gun-related homicide. More than half of women who are victims of homicides are killed because of intimate partner violence.

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Surviving family members need holistic and coordinated support and services in the immediate aftermath of a homicide as well as ongoing opportunities for healing in the months and years afterward. Survivors are using their tragedies to inform public policy so that all children can grow up in safe communities. The Council has expressed its support for the designation of a National Survivors of Homicide Awareness Month on the federal level to raise awareness and support survivors.

This recognition can help combat trauma and foster healing for families and communities impacted by homicide. It is essential that leadership by surviving family members be taken to disrupt cycles of violence and promote peace in all communities.

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