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Next Steps
his roundtable was the first time
that OVC focused exclusively on
the needs of victims of gun violence.
Participants found the process extremely
useful and were satisfied that many key
victim issues stemming from firearm violence were identified. As indicated in this
bulletin, gun violence victims have some
unique concerns and needs that differ from those of other crime victims. By
sponsoring this roundtable, OVC has
opened the door for a full and frank discussion of these issues. Participants expressed the hope that there would be
other opportunities to continue this
discourse. For example,
- Once a national-scope search of providers and programs serving the
needs of gun trauma victims is concluded, OVC should reconvene this
or a similar group to identify unmet needs and make additional recommendations
for funding new programs.
- Smaller focus groups of gun victims should be held regionally to
identify their needs and learn about the services they used to meet
those needs.
- Focus groups should be held on particular topics that were not fully
covered in the roundtable. For example, we know that guns and domestic
violence terrorize, injure, and kill women every day. On average, in
1997, more than one woman a day (393 women total) was shot and killed
by her husband or intimate acquaintance during an argument.51 The use of guns in domestic violence situations and its impact
on victims should be explored further by both OVC and VAWO. Some key
issues were raised during OVCs September 2000 Intimate Partner
Homicide Forum. These issues and recommendations on how to identify
trends and factors associated with intimate partner homicide will be
addressed in a future OVC bulletin.
- OVC should develop training materials and sponsor training and technical
assistance programs for state VOCA administrators and compensation programs
to help them identify the diverse needs of victims of gun violence and
how to respond to them.
Working With Victims
of Gun Violence |
July 2001
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