The purpose of this article is to analyze the efficacy of policies related to mass shootings and violence. Mass shootings are not a new phenomenon in the United States although they seem to be happening more frequently. With 158 mass shootings occurring between 1976 and 2018, thoughts and prayers are no longer sufficient. Since the beginning of this year alone, there have been 195 mass shootings killing over 200 people and injuring over 800. Individuals, families, and communities experience a myriad of traumatic symptoms, including survivor guilt, repressed memories, anxiety and depression, and fear among others. Although other helping professions as well as other countries have taken a strong and direct stand in favor of stricter gun-related policy, the profession of social work and the United States has not been as assertive. As such, this article examines helping professions' role in this pandemic and calls for direct action. It is not enough to introduce well-intended policies; they must also be enacted and fully funded to be meaningful and result in positive societal change.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.