Structural Marginalization and Help-Seeking Among Latino Survivors of Firearm Violence: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study is the first qualitative analysis to center the experiences of Latino survivors of firearm violence in the United States. Despite disproportionate exposure, Latino perspectives remain largely absent from research, policy, and practice. Drawing on interviews with 25 survivors and 10 family members from a predominantly Mexican American neighborhood in Chicago, we examine how gender, criminalization, and structural barriers shape recovery and access to support. Thematic analysis, guided by LatCrit theory and sociocultural coping frameworks, revealed two central themes. Gender influenced exposure to violence and institutional engagement: Latina survivors, often balancing trauma with caregiving roles, were more likely to seek formal support, while Latino men reported being treated as suspects rather than victims and expressed deep mistrust of police and healthcare systems. Across narratives, immigration status and discrimination shaped interactions with institutions, leaving even citizens feeling excluded. Survivors sought safety through both police presence and community support, though skepticism toward law enforcement persisted. Findings underscore the need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive interventions that address caregiving burdens, criminalization, and barriers to institutional trust.