Understanding Interpersonal Violence Incidence in a U.S.-Mexico Border Community: A Geospatial Approach.

Abstract

Background: Interpersonal violence (IV) is a global pandemic. Geographic borders represent unique spaces that are often shaped by cultural clashes, economic inequality, and jurisdictional complexities. Given the intricate social dynamics along the U.S.-Mexico border, this region provides a compelling yet understudied setting to advance research on the geographic dimensions of IV. However, communities situated alongside the U.S.-Mexico border are noticeably absent from this body of research, which is problematic as these regions often face unique social and structural challenges.

Method: This retrospective study examined the spatial distribution of a subset of zip code data that represented IV incidences between 2017 and 2022 in the El Paso, Texas region. The source of the IV data was medical records of patients that were seen by sexual assault nurse examiners for IV-related injuries at a Level 1 trauma center.

Results: The retrospective study included 384 IV incidents. In terms of IV survivors' characteristics, the mean age of trauma survivors was 26 years (SD = 14 years), with the majority in the 25- to 59-year age range (39.4%). Most of the survivors were identified as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish (78.2%). The findings illustrate the uneven spatial distribution of IV incidence rates in El Paso, emphasizing the presence of high-risk zones within the inner city.

Conclusion: This study examined the spatial distribution and characteristics of IV incidents in the El Paso region. The combination of spatial analysis, hotspot identification, and establishment overlay mapping offers a holistic perspective on the spatial dynamics of IV. The identification of hotspots and exploration of regions with high IV occurrence contribute to actionable insights for the development and implementation of targeted interventions. By understanding IV occurrence within the community, forensic nurses can target trauma survivor prevention efforts and integrate education and resources for nurses caring for survivors in emergency situations. In addition, forensic nurses become proactive agents of change, tackling IV at its source with targeted recognition, response, and safety protocols.