The Biden administration is taking a significant step toward reducing gun violence across the country. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden unveiled details about his plan to create a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention that will be part of the Department of Justice.
The new office comes on the heels of the poorest year on record for gun deaths and injuries in the United States. Last year saw more than 7,200 firearm-related deaths and thousands more injuries, all of which could have been prevented with proper prevention measures. With the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the Biden administration is taking a proactive action to reduce and prevent future gun-related deaths and injuries.
The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will not just focus on reducing gun violence, however. It will also seek to address the underlying root causes and social determinants that contribute to gun violence, such as poverty, racism, and poor access to mental health care. The office will also look to establish a culture of safety in communities across the country by providing resources, safety tips, and education materials on gun safety.
The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will be led by a director who the President will appoint, as well as a team of staff with specialized backgrounds in gun prevention, public health, law enforcement, and mental health. The team will work to develop strategies for reducing gun violence, create federal partnerships with state and local government, and collaborate with communities on gun violence prevention initiatives.
In addition to reducing gun violence, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention will also strive to provide a path toward healing and justice for all those affected by gun violence. This includes providing assistance to victims of gun violence and mentorship and support services to those who are at risk of violence.
The Biden administration is committing to provide the resources necessary to reduce gun violence across the country. With the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention, they are taking a proactive action to ensure that the right steps are taken to protect the safety and health of all Americans.