WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), introduced the School Violence Prevention Act, which provides organizations grants to create or expand school-based programs to support children at the highest risk for involvement in gun violence. In Connecticut, juveniles make up 16.7% of Weapons Violation arrests.
An estimated three million children witness a shooting each year. These traumatic incidents have been linked to poor academic performance including lower grades and increased absences from school in comparison to their peers. Those who have been exposed to violence are more likely to engage in crime as adolescents as well.
“Under my legislation, kids who are at risk for involvement in gun violence would receive education-based programs that address gun violence,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “Instances of gun violence committed by children often stem from a deep cycle of violence. Without intervention, these tragedies will persist. By connecting youth to mental health professionals, counselors, and mentors, and increasing healthy community engagement we can better address the root causes of violence and stop the escalation to devastating tragedies. The School Violence Prevention Act builds on years of community violence intervention efforts, expanding those same strategies into schools will keep students safe.”
“It is unconscionable that guns are the number one cause of death for children and teens 19 and younger. Keeping children safe in all the places they may be harmed—and especially in school—is critical. We thank Representative Hayes for introducing the School Violence Prevention Act to invest in programs that will help protect the children who are most at risk of gun violence,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, GIFFORDS Federal Affairs Director.
“It’s abhorrent that guns are now the number one killer of American children and teens. Congress must pass a set of comprehensive policies including the School Violence Prevention Act to reduce gun deaths and injuries among children. Children from all corners of our nation deserve to feel safe in their schools and grow up without getting shot," said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance.
To qualify for grants funded by the School Violence Prevention Act, organizations must facilitate partnerships between youth and their communities, increase teacher professional development for trauma support services, and use evidence-based programming that is effective at preventing or reducing violence among children.
For years, firearms have been the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-19. Firearm homicide rates are highest among teens and young adults ages 15-34 and among Black, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic populations.
In the 118th Congress, as Deputy Whip of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congresswoman Hayes has prioritized addressing the growing issue of gun violence on school grounds.
In May, the Congresswoman introduced the School Shooting Safety and Preparedness Act to allow the public and policy makers to gain a complete, accurate picture of gun violence in and around school campuses and provide actionable data to help prevent these tragic incidents.
In order to urge House Republican Leadership to address the gun violence crisis, Congresswoman Hayes also signed three discharge petitions in an effort to force a vote on three common sense gun violence prevention measures – the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, Enhanced Background Checks Act, and the Assault Weapons Ban.
Read the full text of the bill HERE.
###