Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Gregory Campbell

Abstract

The effects of being victimized or being a witness to a violent traumatic event without the support of public institutions, such as criminal justice, social service agencies, and mental health care clinics has led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and success factors for victims of inner-city violence as it related to access to public administration institutions to address their victimization. Self-efficacy theory was used as the theoretical foundation, and the study’s research question focused on victimization and access to public policy institutions. The study used a qualitative design with 10 telephone interviews with seven African American women and three African American men between the ages of 24 and 71, all residing in the city of Philadelphia. Participants’ responses were coded, categorized, and separated into themes. The findings solidified the fact that victims of inner-city violence had negative experiences as they addressed their victimization with public institutions. This was due to broken criminal justice system, discrepancies in mental health care, and severe lack of trust with social service agencies for minorities. Sharing the study’s findings and recommendations with individuals, families, churches, and public policy institutions can create positive social change.

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