Scars of Survival: Gun Violence and Barriers to Reparation in the USA

This report by Amnesty International examines challenges of gunshot survivors trying to access health care and other forms of support after being wounded. This report has been published amidst a crucial crisis in the U.S.—over half a million people died of gunshot injuries between 2001 and 2017, and 1.3 million people sustained firearm-related injuries during this time period. The report illuminates the lack of quantitative data around health costs and victim compensation payments related to firearm injury. To make this report possible, Amnesty International interviewed 25 gunshot survivors and dozens of caregivers, health workers, public health experts, social workers, advocates, and activists in Miami, Tampa, Baltimore, and New Orleans.

After evaluating the effectiveness of victim compensation programs, the authors found that the limitations of crime victim compensation programs include: tight eligibility requirements; limits on compensation amounts; lack of information and awareness; and a deeply cumbersome process. The report recommends that the U.S. government provide effective remedies to the victims and survivors of gun violence, including medical and psychological care, compensation for economically assessable harms, and information about all available services which survivors can access. Additionally, the contributors to the report recommend revising existing crime victim compensation programs and ratifying certain human rights conventions. Detailed recommendations and conclusions addressing the gun violence crisis in the U.S. can be found in Amnesty International’s report, In the Line of Fire.