Addressing the Needs of Survivors of Gun Violence in Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Needs Assessment - CANCELLED

• In Event: Victim Services and Assessment

Abstract

Gun violence in Pennsylvania has reached alarming levels, with approximately 1,544 deaths and 3,000 injuries annually. In 2022, firearms were the leading cause of death among children and teens. With funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), ICF conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to better understand how to support survivors of gun violence. Data was collected from service providers and survivors across Pennsylvania through 28 focus groups (n = 107), a survey of victim service providers and allied professionals, (n = 331), and a survey of individuals who have experienced gun violence (n = 175). This presentation will discuss findings of the needs assessment, including an understanding of how survivors of gun violence access services, what services they needed but were unable to access, and recommendations for service provision and creating “resiliency centers” where survivors may reach multiple services in one location. We will highlight the unique needs of survivors of gun violence in Philadelphia compared to other areas of the state.

Authors

• Kymani Erskine, ICF

• Rachel Castellano, ICF

• Jessica Garcia, ICF

• Mason Simmons, ICF

• Christine Doelger, ICF

• Melissa Rorie, ICF

• Tammi Slovinsky, ICF

• Alana Henninger, ICF

• Samantha Lowry, ICF