As Colorado voters consider Proposition KK, it’s crucial to understand the profound impact this measure could have on our community’s safety and well-being. As a professor of sociology and prevention science with a Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice, I’ve dedicated the past 15 years to researching violence prevention and victimization. My work has led me to a clear conclusion: investing in victim services is not just a moral obligation — it’s a powerful strategy for preventing future crime and building safer communities.

Proposition KK proposes a 6.5% excise tax on gun sellers for all sales of ammunition, firearms and gun parts, and is estimated to raise approximately $39 million annually. The largest portion of this funding — an estimated $30 million annually — would be allocated to grants for local governments and nonprofits to help crime victims. This support is critical, covering a wide range of services from counseling and legal advocacy to emergency financial assistance.

The timing of this proposition couldn’t be more urgent. Organizations serving crime victims in Colorado are facing a dire funding crisis. These vital services are primarily supported by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which has seen a drastic decline in recent years. Colorado providers are bracing for a staggering 40 to 50% drop in support next year. Without intervention, many of these essential services may be forced to scale back or shut down entirely, leaving victims without the support they desperately need.

The importance of these services in reducing violence and improving community safety cannot be overstated. One of the most robust findings in criminology is the link between past violent victimization and future violent offending. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “cycle of violence,” is a cornerstone of our understanding of criminal behavior. Individuals who have experienced trauma, violence or abuse are at a significantly higher risk of engaging in violent behavior themselves.

However, this cycle is not inevitable. Research has consistently shown that with the right interventions, we can disrupt this pattern and prevent individuals from becoming trapped in cycles of trauma and violence. The most effective way to break this cycle is by providing victims with timely support and services that help them heal from their trauma in constructive ways. This is where victim services play a crucial role in violence prevention.

Victim service organizations serve as a lifeline for traumatized individuals. They provide a safe space for victims to connect with others who understand their experiences, offer counseling and therapy to help them cope with their victimization, and connect them with additional resources. These organizations do more than just address the immediate aftermath of crime; they play a vital role in long-term crime prevention by helping victims process their experiences in ways that reduce the risk of future violence, both towards others and themselves. By providing support and coping strategies, these services can be instrumental in preventing not only future violent behavior but also self-harm and suicide.

Proposition KK also allocates funds for other critical areas: $5 million for mental health support for veterans who have exhausted their federal benefits, $3 million for support services for youth in mental health crises, and $1 million dedicated to increasing school safety in public schools. These initiatives align with a holistic approach to community safety and well-being.

It’s important to note that Proposition KK is not about restricting Second Amendment rights. The tax would be levied on sellers, not individual gun owners, and sales to law enforcement, active-duty military and private sales between individuals would be exempt. The focus is on creating a sustainable funding source for vital community services.

As we consider this proposal, it’s crucial to remember that the effects of victimization ripple out far beyond the individual. Families, friends and entire communities can be impacted by a single act of violence. By providing comprehensive support to victims, and those exposed to violence, we’re addressing a wide range of social issues that affect community well-being.

Proposition KK represents a critical opportunity to ensure the continuity and expansion of essential victim services in Colorado. It’s not just a compassionate response to those who have suffered; it’s a smart, forward-thinking approach to public safety. By breaking the cycle of violence, we can create a safer, more resilient Colorado for all. As a society, we have a responsibility to support those who have been victimized and to take proactive steps to prevent future violence. Proposition KK represents an important step in fulfilling that responsibility and building the kind of community we all want to live in — one where safety, healing and prevention go hand in hand.

The ability of victim services to continue their crucial work is on the line, and with it, the safety and well-being of countless Coloradans. I encourage Coloradans to vote “yes” on Proposition KK. Learn more about the measure at www.yesonpropkk.com.

Jillian Turanovic, Ph.D. , is an associate professor of sociology and fellow in prevention science at CU Boulder. Her research focuses on crime, violence and victimization. The viewpoints shared here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of CU Boulder.