Improving public spaces to promote social cohesion and reduce violence

Implementing Partners: Mercy Corps; Tetra Tech/ARD; World Vision

Contact: Spencer Milian

Creating stronger communities by improving safety and security:

  • Improving neighborhood spaces to build community pride and confidence
  • Increasing law enforcement efficacy by strengthening relationships between citizens and the police to improve communication
  • Strengthening informal social controls that deter potential offenders

Increasing municipal capacity to design and plan public spaces that prevent violence:

  • Training community leaders in environmental prevention of violence and crime
  • Providing tools for municipalities and communities to seek project funding

Using a conceptual framework of gendered crime prevention:

  • Involving municipal offices for women in planning and design
  • Adding strategies to combat violence against women and improve their security

Leveraging experience and support from the largest, wealthiest municipality:

  • Partnering with Guatemala City to deliver training of trainers
  • Targeting key municipalities to generate interest and replicate successful models