Gun violence can change everything in a second. One moment you're hanging out or going about your day, and the next you or someone you care about is hurt, scared, or worse. It's something no one should have to go through, but it happens far too often in our city. If you're ever in that situation or know someone who is, here's what you need to know.

If You’re Shot: What To Do Right Away

 If you’re shot, don’t try to be strong. Get help immediately. Call 911 if you’re able, or yell for someone to do it. Try to stay calm and apply pressure to the wound to slow the bleeding. Don’t move too much. Your job is to stay alive until help gets to you.

Once you're at the hospital and stable, that’s just the beginning. Gun violence leaves physical scars, but it also brings emotional pain, fear, and sometimes, the feeling of being stuck in the same cycle. That’s when support matters.

You Don’t Have To Handle This Alone

There are people and programs in Louisville that help survivors of violence move forward; not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and even financially.

Dr. Eddie Woods and No More Red Dots is one of those places. Dr. Woods and his team don’t

  just offer words, but they help connect people with real resources. If you need counseling, help with food, a job, or even a safe place to live, they can point you in the right direction. They also have classes for people dealing with assault charges, addiction, or anger.

Another strong program working to stop violence before it spreads is Pivot to Peace. It’s a partnership between Goodwill, the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, Volunteers of America, and UofL Hospital. They work closely with people who are at high risk of being involved in violence, especially those impacted by gang activity. Pivot to Peace offers conflict resolution, retaliation prevention, job training, and help connecting to programs like The Spot. They also support families affected by violence and help people find a new path forward.

The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) created a team just for young people called Youth Engagement Services. Their goal is to actually listen to youth and support their ideas. They help lead community projects and build leadership skills so teens can shape the change they want to see.

 

Another OVP effort, the TRC Initiative, focuses on trauma. Funded by the national government, this program helps children and families who’ve been through violence. Whether it’s therapy, grief support, or just someone to talk to, this team is trained to help people heal.

If you're a teen in the 40210 area, you might’ve heard of PACT in Action. It’s a program that teaches about healthy relationships and how to spot the signs of dating violence early. It’s run by the Center for Women and Families and KentuckyOne Health. What makes it powerful is that it’s led by other young people. They’re not lecturing, they’re having real conversations.

Why This Matters

 Healing after violence doesn’t happen overnight. And it doesn’t happen without support. Whether you need someone to talk to, a new place to stay, help staying in school, or just a fresh start, there are people in Louisville who care and are doing the work.

If you or someone you know is hurting, don't wait. Reach out. These programs aren't just for "other people." They’re for you, your friends, your family, your neighbors. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

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Want to learn more about any of the programs mentioned above or find more support? Visit The Village Lou's directory, where you can search 'Crisis Services' for local resources that show up and care.