VALOR’s Statement on Recent Gun Violence in California

January 24, 2023 |
Valor

When will it be enough?

January 23, 2023 marked the 39th mass shooting of the year in the United States. 

VALOR joins communities across California and nationally to mourn the recent and senseless violence in Monterey Park, CA and Half Moon Bay, CA. The targeted violence towards Asian American Pacific Islander communities and Asian and Latino farmworkers, and the blatant workplace violence further emphasizes the ongoing need for violence prevention efforts and anti-racist practices across the country. As an organization that is focused on preventing violence, we know both mass shootings were instances of preventable violence. 

For decades, violence prevention advocates, experts, and policymakers have drawn the connection between gun violence and sexual and domestic violence. We cannot combat sexual violence, domestic violence, gun violence or racism without examining the intersections of violence and environments that allow that to occur. In a time of collective grief and exhaustion, we also need to remind ourselves that we all have a role to play in fostering inclusive, equitable, and safe environments. VALOR recommits to continuing to advance equity, to lead with prevention, and work towards a world free from violence.

 

To learn more about gun violence and domestic violence in the AAPI community, read the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence’s fact sheet and the statement from Center for the Pacific Asian Family.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice’s Cantonese and Mandarin help line: (800) 520-2356.

Access community resources in San Mateo County here.

For more information about preventing and responding to workplace violence, visit RALIANCE’s website. 

Donate to the victims and survivors in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay.