News Violence & Abuse

Help for Victims of Gun Violence


A new service developed through the Institute’s collaboration with the St. Louis Violence Prevention Commission and the United Way, is helping survivors of gun violence get directed to the resources they need.

The new service helps find resources such as mental health counseling, employment, home repair or housing for victims of gun violence. Survivors of gun violence can call the existing 2-1-1 hotline, and will now speak with a “navigator” who facilitates next steps in finding appropriate resources.

Kateri Chapman-Kramer

Kateri Kramer-Chapman is the Project Manager of the Institute’s Life Outside of Violence Program, one of the resources available to victims of gun violence. She co-led the committee that helped spearhead the new service.

“This intake system is integral in continuing to grow the collaborative efforts occurring throughout the St. Louis region to address gun violence. By having multiple partner programs working together, and ready to immediately respond to calls as part of this new service, we hope to eliminate barriers to access to services for those impacted by gun violence – and ultimately, reduce the cycle of violence.”

Read more about the new service in the St. Louis American.