January doesn’t have to be a sprint
January. We are told that we need to run at full speed as soon as January 1 hits. Be better. Read more. Lose weight. Get organized. But that’s just the commercialization of January 1. Businesses want you to work harder (as if you could!). Buy an exercise bike or a gym membership. Eat this and do that. But […]
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 […]
Amid mindless violence, mindfulness provides life preserver
Mindfulness is a puzzle. You don’t fit together all the pieces at once. It takes time to learn and practice the tips and techniques. And it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone is different. Every situation is different. Every part of the world is constantly changing, posing new and different challenges for mindfulness to address. AI […]
Lessons Learned over a Dozen Years
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 […]