NASW-CA STATEMENT ON THOUSAND OAKS MASS SHOOTING

The National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter is deeply saddened by the most recent mass shooting in Thousand Oaks California. As of now, we do not know the details of the shooting, or the motivation of the shooter, but we do know that traumatic events increase the need for mental health services in our communities.

In addition, many Californians may be unaware of the existence of Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO’s). GVRO’s allow family and household members, as well as law enforcement, to obtain temporary gun restraining orders if there is a fear that a person may harm themselves or others. This is an important lifesaving tool that is currently underutilized. We must also direct more money into gun violence prevention research to identify additional ways to prevent gun violence. At the federal level, we need to repeal the Dickey amendment which restricts federal funding for gun violence research.

For more information on how to obtain a GVRO: https://speakforsafety.org/

For those interested in volunteering for the National Institute on Mental Health:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/labs-at-nimh/scientific-director/office-of-fellowship-and-training/fellowships-and-training-programs/special-volunteer-program.shtml