JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In the aftermath of violent crime, the scars left on a community run deep.
Studies conducted by researchers at Northwestern University have uncovered alarming insights into the hidden effects of such incidents on neighborhood residents.
"People don’t know how to resolve conflict; they resolve it with a gun," First Coast News Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson said.
This sentiment underscores a significant finding from the study: participants tracked before and after a violent crime occurred in their area exhibited a stark increase in stress hormone levels. This physiological response to trauma, highlighted by elevated cortisol levels, paints a disturbing picture of the mental and physical toll on residents.
Robin Clemons, a Jacksonville resident who has tragically lost her husband, son, and brother-in-law to violence, shares her experience: "It traumatized me when I heard the sirens and the police; my heart goes boom boom boom."
Clemons' personal account mirrors the study's revelation of severe disturbances in sleep patterns, including insomnia and relentless nightmares replaying traumatic events.
Beverly McClain, an advocate who founded the nonprofit organization Families of Slain Children in Jacksonville, emphasizes the urgent need for support and resources.
"They go through a lot over here, you would not believe it," McClain told First Coast News.
Dr. Muniza Shah of HCA Memorial Hospital stresses the importance of targeted interventions to address the psychological toll of trauma.
"It’s about nature and nurture," Shah said. "Our surroundings nurture us, so if it’s hostile, what is it nurturing? Fear!"
To mitigate the impact of living in high-crime areas, Shah advises residents to establish a routine, avoid scary movies and enhance their environment with plants if possible. This approach aims to foster a sense of safety and stability amid the chaos.
The community's cry for help is clear: "Help us help our people," implored McClain.
As the hidden costs of violent crime become increasingly apparent, the need for comprehensive support systems grows ever more critical.
For those struggling with the aftermath of violent crime in their neighborhoods, Shah recommends:
- Establishing a consistent daily routine
- Avoiding media that might exacerbate fear, such as scary movies
- Enhancing living spaces with calming elements, such as plants