Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio)-Stakeholders appearing before a panel tasked with addressing ways to reduce gun violence stressed that solutions vary, from providing more funding, helping the faith community and accommodating victims.
"Anything that can be done to tear down the bureaucratic walls so the faith community is not an after thought.....and are given an actual voice and resources at the table," said the Dr. Rev. Anthony Bennett of the Mt. Aery Baptist Church in Bridgeport.
"Unaddressed trauma gives way to more cycles of trauma. Hurt people hurt. Left untreated, violence makes victims more susceptible to depression, substance abuse, unhealthy relationships and unemployment. It increases the likelihood of becoming violent themselves, edging away at the often thin line between victim and perpetrator", according to Michelle Voight, co-founder of Greenwich-based Violent Crime Survivors.
The Gun Violence and Prevention Advisory Committee held a public hearing today to gather public comment.
The Committee must submit recommendations to the General Assembly by January first.
