This study aimed to analyze the sense of rootedness among residents of the Asa Branca Community, located in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to understand how the recent intensification of violence has affected their emotional bonds and perceptions of the territory. To this end, a qualitative ethnographic research approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with community residents as the primary data collection method. The findings contributed to an understanding of the psychosocial effects of urban violence and its impact on the sense of belonging within the community, highlighting the challenges residents face in maintaining their community ties and mental health in a context of insecurity and social transformation.