A response from the Kentucky Psychological Association to the recent violence in Charlottesville

The Kentucky Psychological Association wishes to respond to the horrible violent events that culminated in Charlottesville. KPA stands with the city of Charlottesville, other organizations and communities, as well as all individuals affected, both directly and indirectly, in condemning actions attempting to terrorize, dehumanize, physically harm, or mentally oppress fellow human beings by white supremacist groups. We psychologists see firsthand the devastating effects of violence and bigotry on individuals and communities. Psychological science shows us the individual and societal burdens that result from specific terroristic events, as well as from longstanding patterns of racism and discrimination that persist in spite of our shared overt values of justice for all.

Fairness and justice are among our highest ethical obligations as psychologists. Therefore, as psychologists we oppose the movement of racism, bigotry, and intolerance that is strengthening in the country and stand in solidarity with those working to resist the current resurgence of targeted hate. We ask our elected and community leaders to stand with us to defend the physical and mental well-being of those being attacked.

KPA wants to offer information, support and access to appropriate mental health resources to all those who are distressed, being harmed by hate, or who wish to turn away from a path of hatred. We hope to be a resource for those seeking help, for finding some measure of solace or refuge and for divulging their most troubling thoughts and feelings. KPA wants to bring psychological science and knowledge to the table, both to educate the public about the harmful effects of hate and bigotry, and to offer possible solutions for moving forward. 

Resources:

Talking with your kids

• http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/kids-discrimination.aspx
• http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201708/race-in-america-tips-talking-children-about-racism
• http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-charlottesville-talking-to-kids-20170812-htmlstory.html 

Racism and Racial Violence

• http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2016/07
  /when_racial_violence_happens_it_s_just_as_important_to_tune_out_as_it_is.html
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2017/08/14/why-are-people-still-racist-what-science-says-about-americas-race-problem/?utm_term=.3bd20563fa1a

Building Resilience:

• http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/terror-exposure.aspx

Support Turning away from a Path of Hate

• https://declara.com/channel/0992938f-2484-40a9-9f5a-f351fec1fdb4

Info on college campus:

• https://www.splcenter.org/20170810/alt-right-campus-what-students-need-know

Resources from KPA

• https://kpa.memberclicks.net/psychological-services-locatorical-services-locator#/ 

Media requests:

1. Dr. Candice Hargons (formerly Crowell), Ph.D.
University of Kentucky Counseling Center
KPA Diversity Interest Section Representative
[email protected]

2. Dr. Lisa Willner, Ph.D.
Executive Director, KPA
[email protected]

3. Dr. Katie McBride, Ph.D.
Private Practice
KPA President, 2017
[email protected]

4. Dr. Sarah Shelton, Psy.D.
Private Practice
KPA President Elect, 2017
[email protected]