Recurrent interpersonal violence is a major cause of death and disability among young Black men. Quantitative studies have uncovered factors associated with reinjury, but little is known about how these factors work together. We interviewed young Black male victims to understand their experience of violence. Qualitative analysis of their narratives revealed how their struggle to reestablish safety shaped their response to injury. Aspects of the "code of the street" (including the need for respect) and lack of faith in the police combined with traumatic stress and substance use to accentuate their sense of vulnerability. Victims then reacted to protect themselves in ways that could increase their risk of reinjury. We describe a model with implications for reducing rates of recurrent violent injuries.

Qualitative research methods have a unique role to play in surgical research, revealing important contextual details about the causes and impact of surgical illnesses and treatment. The utility of qualitative methods is illustrated through results of a research study of young, black male victims of interpersonal violence. Narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with 48 survivors of penetrating violence revealed the impact of these patients' perceptions of post-injury care on their pain, the central role of fear of death in their injury experience, and the transforming role providers can play in addressing patient fears of death. The study provides support for the notion that qualitative methods can be a useful approach to understanding marginalized individuals who become our patients after injury. Furthermore, potential applications of multimethod approaches to surgical research (qualitative research methods in combination with quantitative methods) for the study of trainee experiences, patient satisfaction, and racial disparities are recommended.