Tuesday, Feb. 1 — Monday, Feb. 7, 2022
From February 1–7, 2022, we will honor the fourth annual National Gun Violence Survivors Week. During National Gun Violence Survivors Week, we take stock of the terrible human toll of America’s gun violence crisis—and recommit ourselves to supporting survivors with action. The date marks the approximate time that gun deaths in the United States surpass the number of gun deaths experienced by peer countries in an entire calendar year.
Tragically and unacceptably, America’s gun death rate is 13 times greater than that of our peer countries and approximately 200 people survive gunshot wounds every day in the U.S. The focus of the week is on sharing gun violence survivors’ stories in their own words and encouraging allies to amplify their voices, especially those who are under-represented in our national dialogue.
Gun violence in any form leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those who are personally impacted. We are in fact a nation of survivors:
Gun violence changes lives every single day—whether someone has witnessed an act of gun violence, been threatened or wounded with a gun, or had a loved one wounded or killed with a gun. That’s why we use the term ‘survivor’ as inclusive of anyone who has personally experienced gun violence. This can include but is not limited to gun suicides, gun homicides, domestic violence involving a gun, unintentional shootings, and more. Each of these lived experiences and every type of gun violence must be seen and represented to create change.
Gun violence changes lives forever. By sharing stories during this week and throughout the year, we highlight the human consequences of gun violence in America and honor those who have been affected.
Through sharing stories of gun violence in all its forms, we can raise awareness of the full scope of gun violence, including the reality that two thirds of gun deaths are suicides, that gun homicide disproportionately impacts communities of color, women and children, and in the United States, many gun homicides, especially those committed against Black and Latinx people, go unsolved.
We are a nation of gun violence survivors: 58 percent of American adults or someone they care for have personally experienced gun violence in their lifetimes. Through hearing stories, we can help more people who have experienced gun violence know that they are not alone, and recognize the power of their voice.
Partners can join the campaign in the following ways:
Everytown will be creating resources, including a digital toolkit, to make it easier for partners to engage online and will lift up work and stories from partners on the front lines of this work throughout the week. If you have other ideas for how your organization can partner, please email partnerships@everytown.org
Nearly 50 partners, including national membership groups, non-profit organizations, and faith partners across various issue areas, joined the effort in recognition of National Gun Violence Survivors Week. The groups included: