First things, first…

Potential study participants were asked, either over the phone or in person, to answer questions about themselves and the types of violence they might have experienced. If they were eligible, they were scheduled for a focus group or individual interview.

Participation in a focus group involved being part of a group discussion with approximately seven to ten other English speaking, Black men between 18 and 24 years old. The individuals leading the discussion were also Black males. The discussions lasted about two hours and were audio recorded. Each participant was paid $50 cash for their time plus parking costs.

None of your information will be shared with anyone else. Your responses will be combined with other responses and never shown individually, meaning your answers cannot be connected back to you personally.