Fractured city skyline representing the complex patterns of urban violence.

Unmasking Urban Violence: How Firearm Injuries Shape Victim Profiles

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the characteristics, traumas, and risk factors impacting victims of firearm violence, offering insights for prevention and support."

Urban violence, particularly involving firearms, is a critical public health issue with far-reaching consequences. Understanding the specific characteristics of victims and the nature of their injuries is essential for developing effective prevention strategies and providing appropriate care. Research focusing on these aspects helps to move beyond general statistics and towards targeted interventions.

This article examines a study conducted in northeastern Brazil, which analyzed data from victims of urban violence involving firearms. The goal was to identify distinct profiles of non-lethal victims, detailing the types of traumas they sustained from a medical-legal and forensic perspective. By using cluster analysis, the study aimed to reveal patterns that could inform public health policies and interventions.

The research highlights the importance of understanding not only the immediate medical needs of firearm violence victims but also the broader social and environmental factors that contribute to this type of violence. This comprehensive approach is vital for creating sustainable solutions that address both the symptoms and the root causes of the problem.

Decoding Victim Profiles: What the Research Reveals

Fractured city skyline representing the complex patterns of urban violence.

The study meticulously analyzed data from 233 victims of urban firearm violence. Researchers used a TwoStep Cluster method to identify distinct groups based on sociodemographic factors (age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, and home region), circumstances of the violence (location, aggressor relationship, day and time), and the nature of the traumas suffered (body region affected, type of injury).

Key findings from the study include:

Peak Times: A significant concentration of incidents occurred during the night shift (56.8%) and on weekends (Saturdays 20.0%, Sundays 20.4%).
Multiple Trauma: Nearly one-third (31.8%) of victims sustained injuries to multiple body regions simultaneously.
Two Distinct Clusters: Cluster analysis identified two primary victim profiles.

These clusters revealed contrasting experiences. Cluster 1 was characterized by younger, single victims of urban violence perpetrated by unknown assailants, often resulting in isolated upper and lower limb injuries. Cluster 2, however, consisted of older, often married individuals who experienced firearm violence in suburban areas, typically at the hands of known aggressors, and suffered more widespread, multiple traumas.

Turning Insights into Action: Towards Safer Communities

The study's identification of distinct victim profiles underscores the need for tailored violence prevention strategies. Interventions should consider the unique risk factors and circumstances associated with each group. For example, efforts targeting younger individuals in urban areas might focus on conflict resolution and reducing access to firearms, while strategies for older adults in suburban settings could emphasize community support and addressing domestic disputes.

Data collection, comprehensive analysis, and the engagement of public health, law enforcement, and community organizations are vital to address firearm violence. By understanding the patterns of violence and the characteristics of victims, communities can work together to create targeted interventions and support systems.

This research serves as a starting point for further investigation and action. By continuing to explore the complex factors that contribute to firearm violence, we can move closer to creating safer, healthier communities for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/0886260518817786, Alternate LINK

Title: Firearms, Violence-Related Injuries, And Victimization Profiles: An Approach Using Cluster Analysis

Subject: Applied Psychology

Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Alysson Vinicius Porto Ferreira, Ítalo De Macedo Bernardino, Luzia Michelle Santos, Lorena Marques Da Nóbrega, Kevan Guilherme Nóbrega Barbosa, Sérgio D’Avila

Published: 2018-12-20

Everything You Need To Know

Based on the research, what are the distinct victim profiles identified in urban firearm violence?

The research identified two main victim profiles through a TwoStep Cluster analysis. Cluster 1 consists of younger, single individuals in urban areas, often targeted by unknown assailants, resulting in injuries mainly to the upper and lower limbs. Cluster 2 includes older, often married individuals in suburban areas, victimized by known aggressors, and suffering more widespread, multiple traumas.

When are the most common times for urban firearm violence to occur, according to the study?

The peak times for urban firearm violence incidents are during the night shift (56.8%) and on weekends, specifically Saturdays (20.0%) and Sundays (20.4%). This suggests that interventions should be intensified during these high-risk periods to maximize their effectiveness.

How can understanding the different victim profiles help in preventing urban firearm violence?

Understanding the victim profiles, as revealed by cluster analysis, is crucial for developing tailored prevention strategies. For example, for Cluster 1 (younger individuals in urban areas), interventions might focus on conflict resolution and reducing access to firearms. For Cluster 2 (older adults in suburban settings), strategies could emphasize community support and addressing domestic disputes. This targeted approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to address the specific needs of each group.

What does the research indicate about the extent of injuries sustained by victims of urban firearm violence?

The study highlights that nearly one-third (31.8%) of victims sustained injuries to multiple body regions simultaneously. This underscores the severity and complexity of firearm-related traumas, requiring comprehensive medical and psychological support for victims. Future studies may also explore the correlation between specific firearms and the patterns of trauma observed to further refine intervention strategies.

Were there any areas not explored in this research that could provide further insights into urban firearm violence?

The research didn't explore in detail the long-term psychological impacts on victims or the specific types of firearms used in these incidents. Future research could investigate the prevalence of PTSD and other mental health issues among firearm violence survivors and examine how different types of firearms correlate with the severity and nature of injuries. Such insights could inform policies related to mental health support and firearm regulation, respectively.