The University of Illinois at Chicago plans to launch a study into the experiences of violence survivors, specifically black men ages 18 to 24, as part of a three-year, $1.5 million grant it received from the U.S. Justice Department.

The study will start with a "pilot-test" survey of violence survivors from Chicago, Cook County and rural areas in Illinois, UIC said earlier this week. It will later be expanded in Chicago as well as Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and other communities.

"Participants will be queried about the physical, emotional and financial injuries they suffered as a result of assaults, gang violence, hate crimes and other forms of violence -- and the sources of support they used for coping," reads a UIC news release.

The Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crimes will use the survey results as a guide "on how to respond to violence victims in other specialized groups and to inform Congress on the support services and funding needed to assist crime victims in their recovery," the release added.