About Us

Stop Handgun Violence is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1995 by a group of businesspeople moved by the increasing number of gun deaths and injuries in America. SHV works effectively to prevent firearm violence through public awareness and sensible legislation - without banning guns. In Massachusetts, we’re making a real difference. Since 1994, we have passed the most comprehensive gun laws in the nation and have reduced gun injuries by 50%, gun homicide by 56% and gun accidents by 58%. Our gun violence prevention efforts are a model for the nation.

Public Education:

Since 1995, Stop Handgun Violence has increased public awareness about the epidemic of gun violence. SHV developed several effective media and public education campaigns, the centerpiece of of which is America’s largest billboard. SHV’s message appears on 1,000 billboards around the country. In addition, SHV distributed over 30,000 trigger locks to gun owners across the country, and work to establish gun violence prevention curriculums in schools across the state.

Legislative Initiatives:

Stop Handgun Violence promotes state and federal legislation requiring responsibility and accountability on the part of gun owners, dealers and manufacturers. SHV was the lead advocate for the Gun Control Act of 1998 (Chapter 180), the most comprehensive gun violence prevention law in the country. This common-sense law mandates safe storage, manufacturing standards, strict gun dealer regulations, safety training requirements, and effective licensing procedures. SHV continues to support legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of children and criminals.

You Can Help

Thanks to the determination of Stop Handgun Violence, law enforcement officials, concerned citizens, community groups and others, real progress has been made in preventing gun violence. In 1995, gun violence claimed 15 children a day in America. This figure now stands at 10 — still 10 lives too many. SHV needs your help to end the epidemic of gun violence. Find out how you can get involved.