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Gun Violence Prevention & Resources

Columbus Gun Safety & Gun Lock Boxes

Columbus city residents can access free gun locks and gun lock boxes to store firearms safely at home:

Gun locks are available, no questions asked, at all Columbus fire stations.
Fire Station Locations: columbus.gov/Services/Public-Safety/Fire/Find-a-Fire-Station
(614) 724-0269

Gun lock boxes are available through Columbus Public Health. Visit the website for program hours and additional contact information
(614) 645-1941
columbus.gov/Government/City-Council/News-Releases-Information/Programs-Initiatives/Gun-Safety

Halt Violence

Non-profit offering mediation, violence intervention services, and mentorship. Develops healthy conflict resolution styles and productive work skills for youth and adults with a history of violent behavior or previous incarceration. If you or someone you know has a problem or conflict in your community that could result in unnecessary violence, call them to see if they can help. They also provide housing assistance for adults who are employed and have a felony criminal record.
East Columbus: 923 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
West/Hilltop: 2360 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 302-1640
haltviolence.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Center for Injury Research & Policy

Provides guidance from experts and researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Visit the website for helpful articles on safety topics including bicycle safety, burns, poison, driving, home safety, gun safety, sports, playgrounds, and more.
nationwidechildrens.org/injury-research-and-policy-injury-topics

Ohio Attorney General Victims of Crime Compensation Program

Provides financial help to innocent victims of violent crimes (including domestic violence, sexual assault and homicide). Payments can cover medical expenses, counseling and lost wages. The application can be submitted online.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 282-0515
ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Victims/Apply-for-Victims-Compensation.aspx

Project Child Safe Gun Safety Program

A national firearm safety and education program created by gun owners, for gun owners. They offer free resources to promote safe, responsible gun ownership. The website has free educational resources such as discussing gun safety and mental health with kids, safety checklists for families, where to get free gun lock boxes, and finding the right storage device for you.
projectchildsafe.org

Safer Ohio School Tip Line

A free safety resource available to all Ohio schools. Students and adults can share information about threats to student safety, such as bullying, school shootings, self-harm or suicide risk, drugs, and other safety-related concerns. Information is anonymously shared with school officials and law enforcement for action and follow-up if needed. Text or Call the Safer Ohio School Tip Line or use the online form to report a concern. This resource is provided by the Ohio School Safety Center.
Call or Text: (844) 723-3764
ohioschoolsafetycenter.ohio.gov/pre-k-12-schools/safer-ohio-school-tip-line/safer-ohio-school-tip-line

Sesame Street in the Communities

Provides fun and educational resources for families from the child educators behind the Sesame Street show. Topics range from ABCs & 123s to tough topics that affect children’s lives; including health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, race, grief, and more. They offer free videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore; and resources for parents and educators.

Sesame Workshop Resources for Families Website: sesameworkshop.org/resources
Kids’ Website: sesamestreet.org/home

Still Standing: The Alexander Project

Provides grieving mothers and their families support by offering individual and group support and mentoring programs, outings, and events. This resource is focused on helping families who have lost a loved one due to violence.
(614) 597-0538
ssthealexanderproject.org

Stress, Trauma & Resilience (STAR)

This program at The Ohio State Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health offers supportive services for adult survivors of crime-related violence. Treatment is personalized according to your unique needs, and may include support groups, medical care, psychotherapy, psychiatry, social work, victim advocacy, and coordination with other services. Services are free for survivors of psychological trauma when a traumatic event has occurred recently (around 3 years). STAR also provides Peer Support for First Responders and OSU employees, and Brief Emotional Support Teams Training for professionals.
3650 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 293-7827
Support Group Flyer: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2025/07/STAR-Support-Group-Flyer.pdf
Website: medicine.osu.edu/departments/psychiatry-and-behavioral-health/star

Think Make Live Youth

Empowers youth in Columbus through equity and justice, bridge building, empowerment, belonging and fun. Programs include Guns DOWN group for ages 13-24 and Unleashing Potential for ages 18-24 navigating the criminal justice system. The Guns DOWN group meets weekly at multiple locations across Columbus and provides teens with opportunities to learn, talk, and have fun while accessing resources like job opportunities, conflict resolution, and more.
(614) 259-7226
tmlyouth.org

University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center

Offers free, shareable resources for families and professionals. Topics include water safety, teen driving, burn injury, concussion, drug overdose and safe prescribing, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), firearm safety, and more.
Parents’ Guide to Home Firearm Safety: yvpc.sph.umich.edu/parents-guide-home-firearm-safety
All topics: injurycenter.umich.edu/tools-by-topic

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