It has been 25 years since the Columbine High School shooting, and the impact of that day continues to haunt survivors like Krista Hanley. As a survivor of the shooting, Hanley shares her experience of that fateful day, where she was crouched on the cafeteria floor, oblivious to the fact that two boys were shooting and killing their peers just outside the school. The trauma of the event changed her life forever, leading to anxiety and difficulty accessing her talents as an artist and writer. Hanley also grapples with guilt over not being able to prevent the tragedy and not knowing the intentions of the shooters.
Despite the passage of 25 years, Hanley has come to accept the unfortunate reality of living in a country where gun violence is the norm. She highlights the need for change in how gun violence is addressed and how mass shootings have devastating long-term effects on survivors and their communities. Hanley reflects on the lack of support and resources for Columbine survivors after the shooting, and how the trauma has impacted her ability to share her story openly for over a decade.
Hanley discusses the pervasive effects of gun violence trauma on survivors, including its impact on relationships, work, mental health, and overall well-being. She calls out the lack of action and accountability surrounding gun violence in the United States, noting that survivors are often silenced and marginalized in the aftermath of mass shootings. Hanley questions why the nation has failed to address the root causes of gun violence and enact meaningful change to prevent future tragedies.
Despite the challenges and ongoing trauma she faces, Hanley has found her voice as an advocate for trauma survivors and violence prevention. By sharing her story and teaching safety skills, she hopes to empower others and inspire change in a country where mass shootings have become normalized. Hanley acknowledges the difficulty in finding closure or a happy ending after experiencing such unimaginable trauma, but she remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for a safer future for all.
Hanley emphasizes the urgent need for action and empathy when it comes to addressing gun violence and supporting survivors of mass shootings. She questions why it has taken 25 years since Columbine for meaningful change to occur and challenges individuals to care and take action before more lives are lost to senseless violence. Hanley’s story is a powerful reminder of the ongoing impact of gun violence and the importance of advocating for change to prevent future tragedies.
