Protecting Families from Gun Violence: The Overlooked Toll on Children, Teens, and Expectant Mothers
When reports say a child died from a ‘firearm assault,’ it means something horrific — that a child was intentionally shot and killed, most often by a parent or other family member. 68% of children killed by guns are murdered by their parents. That’s what ‘firearm assault’ really means. Domestic violence involving firearms has profound […]
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
‘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 […]
Japanese art of kintsugi proves powerful metaphor for Sandy and Lonnie Phillips of Survivors Empowered
‘Broken & Beautiful’ by Wavecrest Films featured at LA film festival “Broken & Beautiful,” a new short documentary produced and directed by Wavecrest Films, chronicles the journey of Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, whose lives were shattered by the shooting death of their daughter and then rebuilt stronger than ever over the period of a dozen […]
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 […]
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 […]
Harris’s continuing gun conversation helps define and model responsible US gun ownership
by Sandy & Lonnie Phillips As parents of a daughter fatally shot in the 2012 Aurora, CO theater mass shooting, we urge Vice President Harris to continue a frank discussion about gun ownership to help quell the current scourge of US gun violence. Vice President Harris’s conversation about gun ownership, which began during her interview […]
Mother Speaks Out About Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 10 Years After Valentine’s Day Gun Suicide
Valentine’s Day 2014 proved the most heartbreaking day in the life of Maryland mother Cheryl Brooks At 3 AM on February 15, 2014, Maryland state police informed Cheryl that her oldest son, Michael Derek Baughan 30, had died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head the previous day. His roommate found him in the bathtub […]
Named one of CNN’s Champions for Change a year ago, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips continue championing change in 2024…and beyond
‘We found our joy again and we want other survivors to find their joy again, too.’ -Sandy Phillips during Anderson Cooper/CNN interview Last September, CNN’s Anderson Cooper profiled his chosen Champion for Change, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips of Survivors Empowered. In the interview, Sandy said that their legacy, in honor of their daughter, Jessi—slain in […]
This is ALL about our kids.
Using common sense, it’s easy to see that sensible gun control legislation, regulation, and accountability are in keeping with what’s best for this nation and our children. Responsible gun ownership means keeping guns out of the hands of those who may harm themselves or others—including children who commit suicide with an improperly-secured gun. Key statistics […]