|
Abstract
|
Statement of purpose The purpose of this study is to compare location of residence with location of injury for homicide victims to identify geographic areas in which violence reaches populations beyond the community in which it occurs.
Methods/approach This is a serial cross-sectional analysis for 2005, 2010, and 2015 using quantitative methods. Cases were selected for manner of death (homicide) and location of injury which lead to death occurring in Chicago. Victim demographics were described using frequencies and percentages. Cases were grouped into four categories: resided and injured in the same community area (CA); resided and injured in an adjacent CA; resided and injured in a different, non-adjacent CA; and resided outside of Chicago and injured in a Chicago CA. CAs for each category containing at least 10 cases at any of the time points are included.
Results The majority of victims were 25-34 year old Black/Non-Hispanic males. Across each time point, 50% or more of victims were injured in the same CA in which they resided. The category with the second highest proportion of victims was that in which victims were injured and resided in different CAs. Overall, the lowest proportion of victims were injured in Chicago and resided outside the city. CAs on the West and South sides of Chicago consistently had at least 10 or more cases at each time point.
Conclusions While most victims were injured in the communities in which they lived, a significant proportion of victims were injured in communities other than the one in which they lived. Location-based prevention measures should take into consideration geographical components of location of injury and residence when providing services to implement programs and conduct outreach.
Significance and Contributions to Injury Prevention Science These results can lend support for geographic targeting of community-based violence prevention programs.
Language: en |