WATCH: Viral Love Story Turns Chilling Gun Violence PSA Before You Know It

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A confronting video addressing gun violence has achieved its goal of going absolutely viral, and we’re not going to say another word about it until you’ve seen it:

Yup.

Evan, created by Sandy Hook Promise, is a pretty sneaky way of demonstrating behaviours exhibited by people at risk of hurting themselves or others. 

It’s not exactly the most accessible topic, but by placing the issue behind a regular ol’ meet-cute story, Sandy Hook Promise intends to show how the issue can be obscured in day-to-day life.

The tactic has paid off. At time of writing, over 2 million people have viewed the YouTube clip since it was uploaded on Friday, meaning the organisation’s list of potential distress indicators has also received a fair few peeks.
FWIW, the organisation has flagged obsession with and “excessive study” of firearms as possible warning signs. Read: actions that stand against Australia’s stringent gun control laws and strong culture of responsible gun-ownership need to be addressed.

Overt threats of violence, which may otherwise be construed as insincere, should also be recognised – SHP claims 80% of school shooters informed someone of their plans before acting them out.

Moving stuff. You can read the full list of signs, and how to act towards them, right here. 

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