Virginia Takes Initiative in Supporting Mass Shooting Victims with First-of-its-Kind Fund
In a groundbreaking move, Virginia has become the first state in the United States to establish a permanent fund dedicated to assisting victims of mass shootings. The creation of the Virginia Mass Violence Care Fund is a direct response to the tragic events that have unfolded within the state in recent years, including the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre, the 2019 Virginia Beach municipal building shooting, and the 2022 Walmart shooting in Chesapeake. The fund, endowed with $10 million, will ensure that the families and survivors affected by these horrific incidents receive the long-term care and support they need.
The efforts to establish the fund were spearheaded by survivors of mass shootings and their advocates, who recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to address the emotional, physical, and financial toll inflicted by these acts of violence. Among those leading the charge is Joseph Samaha, the director of victim advocacy and outreach for the VTV Family Outreach Foundation, whose daughter Reema was tragically killed in the Virginia Tech shooting. Samaha emphasized the need for the nation to confront these issues head-on, but also acknowledged the responsibility to care for those affected in the absence of broader resolutions.
The permanent nature of the fund sets it apart from previous initiatives, ensuring that it will continue to provide support for victims and their families beyond the initial aftermath of a tragic event. The $10 million will be carefully invested by the state, with the resulting gains available to address the long-term needs and well-being of those impacted by mass shootings in Virginia. With the establishment of this fund, the state is taking an important step towards recognizing the ongoing and complex challenges faced by survivors and their families, acknowledging that healing extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.
While the creation of the Virginia Mass Violence Care Fund marks a significant milestone in supporting mass shooting victims, advocates stress that it must not be viewed as an isolated measure. Zachary Blair, president of Victims First, a national nonprofit dedicated to assisting victims of mass shootings, commends the initiative and calls for its replication across the country. However, Thomas Abt, director of the University of Maryland’s Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction, cautions against viewing the fund as a sufficient solution on its own. Abt stresses the importance of enacting common sense regulations surrounding gun access to prevent these tragedies, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of mass shootings.
The establishment of the Virginia Mass Violence Care Fund has sparked interest and inspired hope in other states as well. Joseph Samaha and the VTV Family Outreach Foundation are now reaching out to lawmakers in Maine, advocating for the creation of a similar fund to support victims of mass shootings in that state. Drawing from their own experiences, they aim to ensure that survivors and their families are prepared and supported in the long term, mitigating the challenges they might face in the aftermath of such traumatic events.
Virginia’s pioneering step towards providing sustained support to mass shooting victims sets a positive precedent for the rest of the country. By prioritizing the welfare of survivors and recognizing the ongoing need for care, the state is sending a powerful message that the impacts of these tragic events must not be forgotten or brushed aside. As the spotlight shines on Virginia, other states and lawmakers would do well to follow suit and work towards implementing similar initiatives to support the victims of mass shootings and their families.
