States United To Prevent Gun Violence Launches Gun Safety PSA Called "Monster In The Closet"

A Small Boy's Curiosity Ends in Tragedy

News provided by

States United to Prevent Gun Violence

Apr 16, 2014, 11:49 ET

NEW YORK, April 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- States United to Prevent Gun Violence, a national non-profit organization working to decrease gun death and injury, has released a new TV commercial and web video called "Monster in the Closet." The powerful, haunting spot is meant to raise awareness and elevate the importance of safe gun storage and prevention of child access to firearms.

The dramatic, 90-second Public Service Announcement features a little boy who fears a "monster in the closet" and is reassured by his devoted parents that there is nothing to be afraid of. The boy is fascinated and repulsed by what turns out to be a loaded, unlocked handgun and ultimately the weapon discharges gravely wounding him. His unknowing parents can't hear the tragedy unfolding over the din of their lawnmower cutting the grass outside.

The superbly animated spot, directed by Yves Geleyn of the production house, Hornet, and scored with original composition by Mark Mothersbaugh of DEVO, ends with two stark slates. One says "The monster is real" followed by "1.5 million U.S. children are living with unlocked loaded guns." The spot concludes on States United to Prevent Gun Violence logo and web address, ceasefireusa.org.

"In the wake of so many tragic mass shootings, the nation's focus has been on strengthening gun laws," said Sue Hornik, Executive Director of States United to Prevent Gun Violence. "But one preventable threat to children's safety is unlocked and loaded guns found around the house . . . the proverbial 'monster in the closet' of our new public service announcement."

The extent of the gun safety/storage problem is immense:

1.5 million American children live in homes with unlocked and loaded firearms
Every day at least 6 children age 0 to 18 are injured in an unintentional shooting.
75% of gun shot injuries to children under ten that are serious enough to require hospitalization are due to unintentional shootings.

Ask family, friends and neighbors if their guns are locked up.

View and download the ad:
http://youtu.be/ez1sypeq2hI

The mission of SUPGV is to support existing state-based gun violence prevention organizations and to bring new partners into the movement.

Cathie Whittenburg
Communications Director
207-318-0771
[email protected]

Video - http://youtu.be/ez1sypeq2hI

SOURCE States United to Prevent Gun Violence