GUN VIOLENCE DESTROYS
COMMUNITIES
Aside from death and injury, gun violence destroys entire communities. It causes a decrease in property values and economic development, perpetuates urban flight, and subjects children to horrific traumas; as well as causing many of them to struggle in school and increasing their risk of becoming a victim or perpetrator of gun violence. While a variety of root causes are responsible for community gun violence, including poverty and structural racism, gun violence in and of itself is the primary driver of further violence, creating this vicious and devastating cycle.
BY THE NUMBERS: WISCONSIN
In Wisconsin, 65% of gun deaths are suicides and 32% are homicides.
BY THE NUMBERS: DANE COUNTY
In Wisconsin, 65% of gun deaths are suicides and 32% are homicides.
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ROOT OF THE
ADDRESSING THE
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POVERTY
While poverty alone does not directly cause gun violence, it plays a significant role in creating conditions that increase the likelihood of community-based gun violence. The combination of economic hardship and limited opportunities can create an environment where gun violence becomes more prevalent. Addressing the root causes of poverty—such as improving economic opportunities, increasing access to community resources—can help mitigate the impact of poverty on gun violence.
Focused Interruption's Community Safety Workers help impoverished individuals in Dane County by tktk
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INCOME INEQUALITY
Disenfranchisement: People who feel excluded from society's economic and social systems may be more likely to engage in violent behavior as a form of resistance or retaliation against perceived inequality.
Research shows that areas with high income inequality often experience higher rates of gun violence for numerous reasons. High levels of income inequality can create feelings of resentment and frustration among those who feel marginalized or left behind. This tension divides communities -- where wealthier individuals live separate from those in poverty -- weakening social cohesion and reducing the sense of shared responsibility for community safety, thus increasing the likelihood of violence.
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HOUSING
INSTABILITY
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EXPOSURE
Growing up in environments where gun violence is normalized can increase the likelihood of individuals becoming involved in violence later in life, either as victims or perpetrators.
TO VIOLENCE
While the cycle of violence is powerful, it can be broken with early intervention, positive role models, and access to resources like mental health care, education, and conflict resolution training. Support systems, including mentoring, therapy, and community-based programs, can help individuals heal from past trauma and learn healthier ways of coping with stress and conflict.
Normalization of violence: In some impoverished neighborhoods, the prevalence of gun violence may become normalized, with individuals perceiving firearms as necessary tools for self-defense or status within certain social circles, leading to higher rates of gun violence.
Cycle of trauma: Individuals in impoverished areas may be exposed to trauma, which can have long-lasting psychological effects. Trauma can lead to aggressive behavior and an increased likelihood of using violence (including firearms) to solve problems or defend oneself.
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EMPLOYMENT
UNDER & UN
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EDUCATION
POOR
writing on chalkboard animation?
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Lack of education can limit job opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and increasing feelings of hopelessness, which can lead to violent behavior.
the lack of quality education and job opportunities can limit individuals' future prospects, leading to frustration and hopelessness. This lack of opportunity can sometimes contribute to crime, including violent crimes.
GUN
AVAILABILITY
HEALTHCARE
RACIAL DISPARITIES
IN GUN VIOLENCE
More than HALF of Madison’s gun crime victims are BLACK
While making up 7% of Madison’s population, Black people were 55% of the victims from gun assaults resulting in injury or death over the last five years. Black Madisonians are 19 times more likely than a White Madisonian to become a victim of firearms.
Black Americans represent the majority of gun homicide victims. In fact, Black Americans are 12 times more likely than white Americans to die by gun homicide.14
The median Dane County black household’s income is 45 percent that of the median white household.
75% of homicides—which cluster in cities—involve guns, and the majority affect young Black and Latino men living in historically underfunded neighborhoods.
Madison's Black Population
19,600 (2022)
Madison's Population
272,900 (2022)
Data from census.gov
WE HAVE HOPE
​The cycle of gun violence can and must be interrupted. Evidence-based methods have been proven successful in communities across the US and can be modified to be impactful in Dane County. While thousands are affected by community gun violence, only a small group are at high-risk for pulling the trigger. By focusing individualized programming on the small groups most likely to shoot and supporting the communities most impacted, we can save thousands of lives.
Resources / Further Reading
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