Response to the Thousand Oaks Massacre
The National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence (NPEIV) is an overarching group of individuals, organizations, agencies, coalitions, and groups that embrace a national, multi-disciplinary and multicultural commitment to violence prevention across the lifespan.
And to the survivors and the families of those killed in Wednesday night’s shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks we are sorry. We are sorry that 12 innocent lives were taken on what should have been an innocuous Wednesday night. We are sorry that there are those of you who are experiencing agonizing guilt over not being able to protect others from the crosshairs of a stranger’s gun. We are sorry that some of you have had your lives put in danger not once, but twice in just over a year. No one should have to experience the trauma of a mass shooting, and we are sorry that changes have not been made to protect your lives and the lives of those you love.
It is time that legislators take real action against the pandemic of gun violence plaguing our nation. Studies have shown time and time again that gun violence is preventable, and constituents have overwhelmingly voiced their support for stricter gun laws. The people are tired. They are tired, they are scared, they are frustrated, and they are dying. The steps needed to ensure the safety of millions are simple, and those newly elected to office need to push for real reform to gun control laws in America.
NPEIV is committed to reducing interpersonal violence and its consequences through scientific research and application of empirical findings. It is our mission to make the prevention of interpersonal violence a national and international priority and to encourage healthy relationships by linking science, practice, policy and advocacy.
Through our many partnerships and collaborations, it is our vision to end all types of interpersonal violence, for all people, in all communities, at all stages of life. For more information, please visit www.npeiv.org