INDIANAPOLIS — Days after gunfire killed a man outside of a Chuck E. Cheese's location in Indianapolis, community advocates are speaking out and encouraging those who witnessed the violent crime to seek help to process their emotions.
"The goal is that they will be able to find some sort of support and healing so they don't normalize that," said Brandon Randall, a longtime advocate in the Indy area. "That's how trauma perpetuates across individuals and communities because it's normalized or we're desensitized to it. We don't want that."
Randall says those needing someone to talk to can reach out to VOICES, a nonprofit that serves the community in a variety of ways.
RELATED | Indiana Mental Health Services Guide
An overlying issue Randall says needs to be addressed are the systemic issues behind the violence happening.
"Why did it have to escalate to violence? What coping schools were lacking? What conflict resolution skills have not been established?" he asked.
A billboard campaign wrapping up highlighted many of the proven reasons people turn to violence: poverty and societal pressure among others.
RELATED | Cycle of Risk: The Intersection of Poverty, Violence, and Trauma
Randall and all the community partners working together know it's going to take time to undue generational trauma. He thinks everyone can play a part in it, they just have to choose to stay positive when faced with these challenging circumstances and situations.
"We all live in this city. It's not one person or one demographic or one side of town's responsibility, every person needs to get involved," Randall said. "Until people feel like they're part of this community, things won't change because people feel like it's a them problem and not an us problem. The reality is, it's a we problem and we have to find solutions."
-
Indy homeless shelters see record numbers amid frigid temps
Local homeless shelters are seeing an increased need this year as colder weather drives more of the unhoused community to seek shelter.
Carmel residents reflect on affordability as city looks back on 2025 progress
Carmel has been ranked the number one place to live in the nation for 2025 by neighborhood search site Niche, as the Hamilton County city continues to attract new residents.
One year later, Sheridan adds 2,000 residents after township reorganization
The small town of Sheridan has grown by 2,000 residents after successfully merging with Adams Township, but critics say tax increases could be on the way.
Prosecutor weighs charges against Anderson mother who fatally shot teen daughter
Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cumming said he does not believe the killing was malicious or intentional, though he is weighing whether to file charges in the case as the investigation continues.
