Exploring the Nexus of Exposure to Violence, Psychological Stressors and Criminal Justice Involvement among Victims of Violent Injuries in Baltimore City

In 2009, homicide continues to be the leading cause of death for African-American males (16-34). The study examines the nexus of exposure to violence, psychological stressors and previous histories of incarceration among African-American male victims of violent injuries in the City of Baltimore. The central premise of this study is that victims of repeat violent injuries are more likely to: 1) experience significant levels of exposure to violence as victims, perpetrators and witnesses; 2) suffer from psychological stressors such as depression and suicidal ideations; 3) experienced a previous incarceration in jail and/or prison. The examination of these domains are important because they may reveal that victims of repeat violent victimization often live and reside in urban communities which reflect "war-like" conditions and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders and symptoms comparable to soldiers of war.