Call 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Trained counselors are available 24/7.
Call 911.
Gun violence affects the lives of many Vermonters each year.
Every year in Vermont, an average of 74 Vermonters die by firearms and another 40 are hospitalized by related injuries.
Most firearm-related deaths in Vermont are due to suicide, primarily among boys and men.
About 43% of Vermont adults have a firearm in their home. Having a firearm in your home places you at higher risk for firearm injury and death, primarily for suicide and accidents.
We can all help make our communities safer. Learn what you can do to prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths.
Most non-fatal firearm injuries in Vermont happen by accident. Storing firearms locked up and unloaded can:
If your child is spending time in a home that has guns, it's okay to ask how the guns are stored. This helps you know if the home is safe for your child. Also teach your child to stay away from guns and to tell a trusted adult if they see one. Learn how to ask other households about their secure gun storage practices
Careful - Commits to the basic safety rules.
Courteous - Acts polite, helpful, and gracious.
Considerate - Respects other hunters, landowners, and the non-hunting public.
Capable - Has strong shooting skills, outdoor skills, and good judgment.
Before taking a shot, every hunter should ask three questions — and only shoot if the answer to all three is yes:
A suicide attempt with a firearm is more likely to be fatal than most other methods.
Understanding the warning signs and putting space between a person having thoughts of suicide or harming themselves and a gun is essential. Learn more about suicide warning signs.
The way we talk about suicide is also important. Asking someone if they are thinking of suicide will not plant the idea in their mind. Listening to someone can help save a life. For help talking to someone about suicide, dial 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). By talking about suicide, we help reduce the stigma of suicide in our community. Learn nine ways to reduce the stigma associated with suicide from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Find additional suicide prevention and awareness resources.
Half of all homicides in Vermont are due to domestic violence and most of those deaths involve a firearm. The Vermont Network estimates that about 41,000 Vermonters experience domestic or sexual violence each year, including about 10,000 children.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are free resources and programs available both locally and nationally to support you.
