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EMDR gains traction treating gun violence survivors

Over the past quarter-century, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has become proven as an effective trauma therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As such, its use in treating gun violence survivors both in the aftermath of tragedy and to help prevent being re-triggered by subsequent events has proven to be a valuable tool. What […]

My healing journey advances with Survivors Empowered Retreats

A gentle digital painting of a person sitting by a riverbank, gazing at the sunset, with soft ripples in the water symbolizing the healing journey after a loss.

‘In three decades working with numerous state and national gun violence prevention groups, only Survivors Empowered really saw and understood my trauma. They had skills and tools that helped me onto a path to healing and peace, and made me stronger in my work as an advocate.’ By Gerry HillsGun violence survivor, advocate, and participant […]

Lessons Learned over a Dozen Years

Bright flower against dark rocks

Much has been learned from supporting individual gun violence survivors in many places over many years. While there are common and shared reactions and responses (e.g., profound, unimaginable grief and pain), it’s been very useful to learn the different ways survivors cope and how they process their grief. For us, the path forward has been […]

Survivorship During the Holidays

In the tapestry of life, the threads of survivorship and the joy of holidays intertwine, creating a narrative of resilience and celebration. For survivors, the holidays days have new meaning. Occasions that were once filled with happiness can now become days that bring sadness and other difficult emotions. Holidays in particular highlight the absence of a […]

You have a right to say “no” to guns in your home

Homeowners, renters, and people who have control over a private premise (e.g. people who host an event at a rented home such as an AirBnB) have the right to prohibit firearms on the premises. A sign advising people that firearms are prohibited on the premises can be placed on the premise or in an invitation […]

Donna Dees and ‘Five Awake’: Never give up on changing domestic violence, gun laws

The documentary, Five Awake, chronicles the journey of five Louisiana women who sought to change the state for the better by pushing through a historic legislative package to protect the victims of domestic violence and save lives… An article in Shootonline.com sets the stage: “Susan Willis, managing partner of post company Cutting Room Films, assembled […]

Firearms fuel domestic violence-driven killing of women

Firearms are used in more than half of intimate partner homicides and two-thirds of pregnancy-related homicides in the United States. Reducing access to firearms can prevent suffering and deaths of women and children. The United Nations defines femicide as “an intentional killing with a gender-related motivation, [that] may be driven by stereotyped gender roles, discrimination towards women and […]