MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Gun violence is a public health crisis in America, according to the U.S. Surgeon General and health officials nationwide. Earlier this year, health officials published a report pushing for stricter gun laws and more research.
Victoria Floyd knows how serious the gun violence crisis is in America. In December 2020, she was shot in Montgomery while out with some friends. She was an innocent bystander when a bullet changed her life.
“All I remember is the bullet came through the wall, and I went straight to the ground. I couldn’t feel anything. I was instantly paralyzed. Instantly,” she said.
Victoria was paralyzed from the waist down, changing her life forever. Years later, the physical scars and the wheelchair are all visible reminders of what happened on the outside. What you don’t see are the impacts mentally.
“How am I supposed to make my children believe that I’m going to be okay, that their mom is strong, and that I can make it?” She asked.
According to statistics from a U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, shootings impact survivors and their family members mentally. The report shows that the family members of gun violence survivors are at a higher risk for mental health challenges, including anxiety, mood disorders, and more.
Allena Burbage is a therapist at the Samaritan Counseling Center, specializing in children and adolescents. She says even if the child isn’t physically hurt, there is still trauma associated with gun violence.
“That’s called vicarious traumatization or secondary trauma, which means we don’t have to have a direct trauma happen to us to experience the anxiety and stress that comes with being exposed to a trauma,” Burbage said.
In these cases, she said children often worry about their family members and the future. Hearing and reading about shootings and gun violence on the news and on social media can amplify these feelings.
Whether direct or indirect victims of gun violence, Burbage recommends victims and their families see a therapist.
“I recommend that people talk to their children, educate them, and allow them to express themselves,” she said.
Victoria has been open with her children about her struggles and her accomplishments. Years later, she’s now looking to return to work, buy a wheelchair-accessible car, and show her children that you can rise above the violence.
“They’ve been- really been my backbone of showing me how strong I can be,” she said.
If you would like to support Victoria’s journey, she has set up a GoFundMe.
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Publish date : 2024-10-30 13:38:00
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