The collection below provides practical resources from reputable organizations to help individuals and families cope in the aftermath of a large-scale violent event, such as a shooting or other form of mass violence or terrorism.

• Resources from the American Psychological Association

  • Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting

  • Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting

  • How to Talk to Children About Difficult News

  • How Much News Coverage is OK for Children?

  • Empowering Communities to Prevent Mass Shootings

  • Research on Gun Violence

  • Gun Violence: Prediction, Prevention, and Policy

• Coping After Terrorism for Survivors — The Federal Bureau of Investigation's victim assistance service explains potential reactions to traumatic disaster, as well as practical coping ideas for individuals and families.

• Resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network

  • Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators

  • Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After a Recent Shooting

  • Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers

  • After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal

  • Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event

  • Trauma Types: Community Violence

  • Trauma Types: Terrorism

• Incidents of Mass Violence — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website provides information about those at risk for emotional distress caused by mass violence, and provides resources for coping and getting help. SAMHSA also offers a Disaster Distress Helpline that provides 24/7 crisis counseling.

• Talking with Children When the Talking Gets Tough (PDF) — Judith A. Myers-Walls, Extension Specialist, Purdue University

• Talking With Children About Tragedies & Other News Events — American Academy of Pediatrics

• Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event — Child Mind Institute

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers — National Association of School Psychologists

• Coalition of National Researchers Violence Prevention Plan (PDF) — includes resources and an 8-point plan to prevent U.S. gun violence

• Resources for Helping Youth Cope after a Mass Shooting — A compilation of resources from Youth.gov.

• Recovering Emotionally — The American Red Cross provides information about emotional responses to disasters and how to confront the ongoing challenges of recovery. The organization also has a disaster distress helpline available 24/7.

• ‘Tell Your Story to Everyone’: Readers Affected by Mass Killings Offer Advice for Fellow Survivors — New York Times

• Sesame Street in Communities — bilingual videos, storybooks, and digital activities, designed to help children cope with traumatic experiences, featuring Sesame Street Muppets.

• How to Talk to Your Child About the News — tips for parents by KidsHealth from the Nemours Foundation.

• From Pain To Purpose: 5 Ways To Cope In The Wake Of Trauma — NPR Morning Edition