Surviving a gunshot wound can be accompanied by bodily disfigurement, chronic pain or social stigma. This article examines how the lives of individuals are dramatically different after surviving a gunshot wound.
Beginning in February 2010, the author interviewed 40 gunshot victims. Interviews were conducted at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in the outpatient trauma clinic over a period of six months. Field notes were taken on computer and hand-written notes were taken on a notepad during the interactions.
The feelings and emotions that accompany life after a shooting encompass a life adjustment, both physical and mental. While a significant amount of social scientific research studies gun homicide, the emotional and physical changes endured by those who survive a gunshot wound is equally important. Research should take into account the victims' perspective of life after a shooting.