The Cure Violence Global team mourns those killed, injured, and traumatized recently at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
This latest event is heartbreaking beyond words, as are the many violent tragedies around the world. This is an unacceptable and preventable tragedy made worse due to the numerous warning signs that were not acted upon to prevent this unnecessary loss of life. These violent events are not normal, and we all must commit to continually and relentlessly rejecting this violence as acceptable in our communities and our nation.
There is an epidemic of violence within the United States and the effects of this problem permeate throughout our country. Violence and mass shootings in the United States have become more frequent and more deadly. We must understand this epidemic of violence as a societal emergency, a public health crisis that affects all of us, and take measures to stop the spread.
Cure Violence Global calls on the leaders at every level of government in the United States, to enact culturally sensitize policies that can more urgently, aggressively, and effectively detect and interrupt acts of violence. We also call on leaders of social service and health organizations, public health departments, and every person across the country to play a more active role in addressing the root causes of violence.