Gun Violence Exposure Tied to Disability in Black Americans

Author: Rutgers University
Published: 21 May 2024 - Updated: 29 Oct 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Survey, Analysis

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This research, a peer-reviewed study by the Rutgers School of Public Health published in the Journal of Urban Health, used a nationally representative survey of 3,015 Black adults in the United States to examine how different types of gun violence exposure relate to functional disability. Main findings show that roughly 60 percent had some exposure, more than 40 percent knew a shooting victim and 12 percent reported three or more exposure types. Exposure predicted higher disability rates in both men and women, with witnessing or hearing about shootings most strongly linked to disability in men and direct threats most strongly linked in women. It matters because gun violence policy has focused mainly on preventing deaths, while this work points to lasting effects on concentration, mobility and daily living for survivors and communities, making it useful to public health planners, disability services, clinicians and families affected by violence.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Men reported being threatened with a gun twice as often as women.
• 2 - Being shot was reported by 4 percent of men and 2 percent of women.
• 3 - The study cannot prove causation, but points to trauma as a likely pathway.
• 4 - Women with three or more exposure types were nearly six times as likely to report difficulty running errands.

Topic Definition

Functional Disability

Functional disability refers to difficulty performing basic physical or mental activities of daily life, such as concentrating, remembering, walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing or running errands independently. It is measured by asking people about limitations in these activities rather than about specific diagnoses, which allows researchers to capture the effects of injury, illness and psychological trauma on how a person functions at home, at work and in the community.

Overview

Roughly 60 percent of all Black Americans are exposed to some form of gun violence, and such exposures predict elevated rates of disability, according to Rutgers Health research.

Survey data from 3,015 Black Americans linked specific disabilities ranging from trouble concentrating to difficulty dressing or bathing with exposure to various types of gun violence: being shot, being threatened with a firearm, knowing a shooting victim, and witnessing a shooting or hearing of one nearby.

"Traditionally, the majority of efforts related to gun violence have focused on reducing homicides, but this study indicates that we need to provide more support to those who face such exposures to violence beyond homicide," said Daniel Semenza, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health's Gun Violence Research Center and lead author of the study.

More than 40 percent of survey-takers knew a shooting victim, while 12 percent of them reported at least three exposure types, according to the study published in the Journal of Urban Health. Men reported higher exposure to direct threats than women - 30 percent versus 15 percent - and being shot, 4 percent versus 2 percent.

"These numbers are striking because this was a nationally representative sample, matched to all Black Americans as a whole by age, sex, income, education and area of residence," said Semenza, whose co-authors included Nazsa Baker, a postdoctoral fellow at Rutgers' New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center.

Semenza added:

"The survey shows that roughly 60 percent of all Black adults in the US have faced exposure to gun violence and that 40 percent of them personally know a shooting victim, which is staggering."

Exposure predicted elevated rates of disability in both sexes, but different exposure types connected more significantly to various disabilities in men and women.

Men who witnessed or heard about shootings had a 53 percent greater rate of suffering from a functional disability than men who reported no exposure. They also were more than twice as likely to report trouble concentrating, walking stairs, dressing or bathing.

For women, being directly threatened was associated with a higher risk for disability. Women who reported gun-related threats had a 48 percent greater rate of reporting a functional disability than other women, a 75 percent greater likelihood of reporting difficulty concentrating and were at least twice as likely to report difficulty walking, climbing stairs or running errands.

Exposure to three or more types of gun violence predicted even higher disability rates. Women who reported such exposure were nearly six times as likely as women with no exposure to report difficulty running errands.

"This kind of survey-based study cannot prove causation, but it suggests that exposure to gun violence might shape functional disability and everyday well-being through mental trauma, even when it doesn't disable people directly via physical injury," Semenza said. "We need to continue efforts to reduce gun violence, but we also need to make sure that when gun violence does occur, there are resources available where affected people can go to help manage the trauma that such exposure creates."

Source: Daniel Semenza and Nazsa Baker, Rutgers School of Public Health, published in the Journal of Urban Health, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Can witnessing violence cause lasting health problems?

Yes, witnessing violence is linked to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and sleep problems, which can affect concentration and daily functioning. Support from mental health professionals can reduce these effects.

What is trauma-informed care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach in health and social services that recognizes how past trauma affects a person and avoids practices that could cause further harm. It emphasizes safety, trust, choice and collaboration.

What are community violence intervention programs?

Community violence intervention programs use trained outreach workers, often from the same neighborhoods, to prevent retaliation and connect people at risk with services. Many cities fund these programs alongside policing and public health efforts.

Where can survivors of gun violence find mental health support?

Survivors can contact a primary care provider, community mental health centers, victim services offices or crisis lines such as 988 in the United States. Many hospitals also run violence recovery programs.

Does a functional disability qualify for disability benefits?

Eligibility depends on the program and on how severe and long lasting the limitation is. In the United States, Social Security disability benefits require a medically determinable condition that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months.

How do surveys measure exposure to gun violence?

Surveys ask respondents whether they have experienced specific events, such as being threatened or hearing gunshots nearby, and how often. Answers are then grouped to compare people with different levels of exposure.

Are children affected by community gun violence?

Yes, children exposed to shootings in their community show higher rates of anxiety, attention problems and difficulty in school. Early support at school and at home can help them cope.

Can physical therapy help with disability after trauma?

Physical therapy can help people regain strength, mobility and confidence after injuries or long periods of inactivity related to trauma. It is often combined with counseling when psychological effects are also present.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Gun violence is usually counted in deaths and injuries, yet this research suggests a much larger group carries its effects in quieter ways, through trouble concentrating, climbing stairs or managing everyday tasks. For Black communities, where exposure is common, that hidden burden can affect work, school and independence long after an incident fades from the news. The authors stress that their survey cannot prove cause and effect, but the consistent patterns across exposure types and sexes make a strong case for trauma-informed care. Expanding access to mental health support, community violence intervention programs and disability services alongside prevention efforts could help people regain function and stability.*

Attribution/Source(s): This peer-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by Rutgers University and published on 21 May 2024. Last updated on 29 Oct 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.