- NASW-IL Staff
NASW joins 59 organizations criticizing efforts to link gun violence to mental illness
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has joined 59 other organizations in criticizing efforts to link the nation’s gun violence epidemic to mental illness. The statement said such comments create a false narrative and encourages stigmatization and discrimination against people living with a mental illness who are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. “These shootings have one thing in common – easy access to weapons that can kill with terrifying efficiency on a massive scale,” the statement read. Gun violence is now a public health crisis and the trauma and fear caused by mass shootings is harming the mental health of Americans. The organizations called on policymakers to work on a bipartisan solutions to improve gun safety in our communities.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.