Proximity to Crime and Violence
Direct (injury, health problems, death) and indirect (such as biological and behavioral stress). The different mechanisms might reinforce each other and might in turn increase health risks
Proximity to crime and violence, categorized as a Social Determinant of Health (SDOH), aligns with the "Neighborhood and Built Environment" objectives in the SDOH framework. The impact of exposure to high crime rates in residential areas extends beyond the elevated risk of physical harm and might include chronic stress, anxiety, and fear, contributing to mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Moreover, communities facing persistent crime often experience a breakdown in social networks, leading to social isolation and reduced community cohesion. Recognizing these environmental influences is crucial for comprehensive strategies that address safety concerns, promote community well-being, and mitigate health disparities associated with crime and violence exposure.
Key Points and Resources
References
A Health Care Protocol For Intimate Partner Violence. (n.d.). Georgia Commision on Family Violence. https://gcfv.georgia.gov/sites/gcfv.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/Medical%20P rotocol%20for%20Intimate%20Partner%20Violence.pdf
Armstead, T. L., Wilkins, N., & Nation, M. (2021). Structural and social determinants of inequities in violence risk: A review of indicators. Journal of community psychology, 49(4), 878–906. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22232
Brithen, Jasmine. (2021). Highland Support Project — Guest Post: The Role of Public Health Nurses in Alleviating Poverty. Highland Support Project. https://highlandsupportproject.org/highland-support-project/the-role-of-public-health-nur ses-in-alleviating-poverty
Cebello R., Alers-Rojas F., Mora A., Cranford J.(2022). Exposure to Community Violence: Toward a More Expansive Definition and Approach to Research. Georgetown University.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/172306/cdep12448_a m.pdf?sequence=1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 14). Youth violence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/index.html
Dickman, N. E., & Chicas, R. (2021). Nursing is never neutral: Political determinants of health and systemic marginalization. Nursing Inquiry, 28(4), e12408. https://doi.org/10.1111/nin.12408
National Research Council (U.S.) Travis, J., Western, B., & Redburn, S. (Eds.). (2014). The Growth of Incarceration in the United States: Exploring Causes and Consequences. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18613