New legislation aims to expand support for survivors of childhood trauma

CHICAGO - Citing mass shootings nationwide and the daily gun violence in the city of Chicago, congressman Dick Durbin is calling for more investments in the root of cycle of violence: childhood trauma.

Durbin joined Rep. Danny Davis on Monday at Bright Star Church in the Bronzeville neighborhood to discuss the bipartisan RISE from Trauma Act.

"Last week I introduced a major bipartisan legislation to break the cycle of violence by investing in solutions that address the trauma facing our young ones," Durbin said.

The legislation seeks to break the cycle of violence by expanding community-based support for children who have experienced trauma.

A report released by the Centers for Disease Control that says one out of five teens nationwide has witnessed violence in their community.

SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 32 ON YOUTUBE

In Chicago, nearly 60% of children live in neighborhoods that account for 91% of homicides.

Durbin says the message is clear "hurt people, hurt people."

Durbin reintroduced the RISE from Trauma Act in the Senate last week. It calls for the creation of a new $600 million federal health and human services grant to fund community-based coalitions and increase the number of professionals in trauma care.