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Societies
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Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence
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Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence

A special issue of Societies (ISSN 2075-4698).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 30745

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jaimee Mallion

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Applied Sciences & Psychology, London South Bank University, London SE1 0AA, UK
Interests: street gang; forensic psychology; youth violence; violence; hate crime; mental health
Prof. Erika Gebo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Sociology & Criminal Justice, Suffolk University, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Interests: youth violence and youth justice; crime and justice-related community initiatives; policy and evaluation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The World Health Organization (2002) classified violence as a leading international public health problem, requiring immediate intervention. Violence is a pervasive social problem whose causes and consequences are inextricably linked to individuals, families, institutions, communities, and societies. The negative consequences of violence, and serious violence especially, reverberate beyond the immediate moment and location. By bringing together partners with varied skills, whole-system multiagency approaches are advocated as the leading means of targeting serious violence. With this backdrop in mind, this Special Issue will examine a variety of collaborative, community-based approaches to preventing and reducing serious violence across the global landscape. The contributors will be practitioners and researchers whose work focuses on the prevention and reduction of serious interpersonal violence in communities. The typologies of serious violence discussed by the collaborators can include youth violence, street gang membership, and violence against women. The articles will address the collaborative nature of serious violence prevention work, recognizing that violence is multicausal and that solutions are needed across various socioecological domains. Each article will describe a community-level collaborative approach to preventing and reducing serious violence. Successes and lessons learned from the approaches will be identified, and the transportability of the approaches to other locations will be explored.

Contributions have to follow one of the three categories (article/review/conceptual paper) of papers for the journal and address the topic of the Special Issue.

Dr. Jaimee Mallion
Prof. Erika Gebo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as conceptual papers are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Societies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • violence
  • prevention
  • intervention
  • collaboration
  • community-based

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 411 KiB  
Article
The Feasibility and Acceptability of an Experience-Based Co-Design Approach to Reducing Domestic Abuse
by Shoshana Gander-Zaucker, Gemma L. Unwin and Michael Larkin
Societies 2022, 12(3), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12030093 - 15 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3354
Abstract
One means of reducing violence against people experiencing domestic abuse is to improve the pathway which they use to access help from the police and other services. In this paper we report and reflect on a project which contributes to violence reduction via [...] Read more.
One means of reducing violence against people experiencing domestic abuse is to improve the pathway which they use to access help from the police and other services. In this paper we report and reflect on a project which contributes to violence reduction via a participatory approach to service improvement, focusing on this pathway. We describe the four phases of an innovative experience-based co-design (EBCD) project, which involved collaborating with domestic abuse survivors as well as members of the police and domestic abuse organizations. We report on indicators of the acceptability and feasibility of EBCD in this context. We also reflect upon the potential of the EBCD approach for involving communities in collaborating with services to reduce domestic abuse. We discuss the conceptual and methodological implications with regard to adopting participatory and inclusive approaches in contexts where power-sharing may be difficult. We argue that EBCD has considerable potential for use in this setting and we identify several areas where insights from this project could be used to improve the future viability of any such initiatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence)
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10 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Reflections on Increasing the Value of Data on Sexual Violence Incidents against Children to Better Prevent and Respond to Sexual Offending in Kenya
by Zidan Ji, Sarah Rockowitz, Heather D. Flowe, Laura M. Stevens, Wangu Kanja and Kari Davies
Societies 2022, 12(3), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12030089 - 6 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2954
Abstract
In many countries, data collection on sexual violence incidents is not integrated into the healthcare system, which makes it difficult to establish the nature of sexual offences in this country. This contributes to widespread societal denial about the realities of sexual violence cases [...] Read more.
In many countries, data collection on sexual violence incidents is not integrated into the healthcare system, which makes it difficult to establish the nature of sexual offences in this country. This contributes to widespread societal denial about the realities of sexual violence cases and the collective oppression of survivors and their families. Capturing detailed information about incidents (e.g., characteristics of perpetrators, where it happened, victims, and the offence) can dispel myths about sexual violence and aid in crime prevention and interventions. This article examines how information about sexual violence incidents—in particular, offences committed against children in Kenya—is gathered from two different data sources: the Violence Against Children Survey (VACS) and data collected by the Wangu Kanja Foundation (WKF), a survivor-led Kenyan NGO that assists sexual violence survivors in attaining vital services and justice. These two surveys provide the most comprehensive information about sexual and gender-based violence. The analysis indicates that, while the VACS provides information about the prevalence of sexual violence, it provides less detailed information about the nature of violence (e.g., characteristics of perpetrators, victims, and the offence) compared with the WKF dataset. We critically reflect on how validity and informativeness can be maximised in future surveys to better understand the nature of sexual violence, as well as other forms of gender-based violence, and aid in prevention and response interventions/programming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence)
13 pages, 436 KiB  
Article
Finding a Suitable Object for Intervention: On Community-Based Violence Prevention in Sweden
by Kristina Alstam and Torbjörn Forkby
Societies 2022, 12(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12030075 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3601
Abstract
In Sweden, local municipalities, working in collaboration with the police, are assigned an important role in community-based crime prevention and the promotion of safer neighbourhoods/cities. The strategies adopted are supposed to be informed by the policies of national advisory bodies, which emphasize surveying [...] Read more.
In Sweden, local municipalities, working in collaboration with the police, are assigned an important role in community-based crime prevention and the promotion of safer neighbourhoods/cities. The strategies adopted are supposed to be informed by the policies of national advisory bodies, which emphasize surveying the current situation, problem analyses, systematic planning of interventions and evaluation of efforts. This paper reports on a three-year research project that studied local crime prevention/safer community practices in four so-called ‘particularly vulnerable areas’ (PVAs) using meeting observations and stakeholder interviews. The analysis shows that when constructing intervention strategies, the actors involved had to navigate between different organizational logics and found it difficult to demarcate a suitable object for joint efforts. When they were able to find an object to be targeted, such as youth at risk of drug abuse or low-level criminality, they could rely on a collective mindset, but they struggled in situations where a joint effort was not possible, such as when dealing with the risk of aggravated violence or when the operations got close to more organized crime—both elements that form part of the definition of PVAs. This failure may partly be explained by competing logics dominated by idiosyncratic action in line with bureaucratic rules and routines. This finding raises questions about a putative but non-articulated limit to crime prevention and whether a predetermined approach aligns with the prescribed sequence of survey, analysis, intervention planning and evaluation when faced with more brutish violence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence)
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13 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Where You From? Examining the Relationship between Gang Migrants and Gang-Related Homicide
by Daniel Scott
Societies 2022, 12(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12020048 - 12 Mar 2022
Viewed by 3983
Abstract
Research has frequently focused on the increased likelihood of violence and homicide among gang-involved individuals, as well as on the factors that contribute to this violence. Such work has examined the relationship between immigration and the frequency of crime, as well. However, there [...] Read more.
Research has frequently focused on the increased likelihood of violence and homicide among gang-involved individuals, as well as on the factors that contribute to this violence. Such work has examined the relationship between immigration and the frequency of crime, as well. However, there is a dearth of research examining the likelihood of gang-related homicide and the presence of both gang migrants from within the U.S. and those from abroad in a given community. The current paper utilizes National Youth Gang Survey data to examine the relationship between law enforcement perceptions of gang migrants in their jurisdiction and the frequency of gang-related homicide. The results reveal that gang-related homicides have a significant and negative association with the presence of gang migrants. These findings have important policy implications for understanding and addressing serious gang violence and homicide at the community level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence)
13 pages, 255 KiB  
Article
The Kenyan Survivors of Sexual Violence Network: Preserving Memory Evidence with a Bespoke Mobile Application to Increase Access to Vital Services and Justice
by Laura M. Stevens, Elena Reid, Wangu Kanja, Sarah Rockowitz, Kari Davies, Shanaya Dosanjh, Brooke Findel and Heather D. Flowe
Societies 2022, 12(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12010012 - 19 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5722
Abstract
Police interviews gather detailed information from witnesses about the perpetrator that is crucial for solving crimes. Research has established that interviewing witnesses immediately after the crime maintains memory accuracy over time. However, in some contexts, such as in conflict settings and low-income countries, [...] Read more.
Police interviews gather detailed information from witnesses about the perpetrator that is crucial for solving crimes. Research has established that interviewing witnesses immediately after the crime maintains memory accuracy over time. However, in some contexts, such as in conflict settings and low-income countries, witness interviews occur after long delays, which decreases survivors’ access to vital services and justice. We investigated whether an immediate interview via a mobile phone application (SV_CaseStudy Mobile Application, hereafter MobApp) developed by the Kenyan Survivors of Sexual Violence Network preserves people’s memory accuracy over time. Participants (N = 90) viewed a mock burglary and were then interviewed either immediately using MobApp or MobApp+ (which included additional questions about the offender’s behaviour) and again one week later (n = 60), or solely after a one-week delay (n = 30). We found that memory accuracy one week later was higher for participants immediately interviewed with MobApp or MobApp+ compared to those interviewed solely after a one-week delay. Additionally, memory accuracy was maintained for those interviewed with the mobile application across the one-week period. These findings indicate that the mobile phone application is promising for preserving memory accuracy in contexts where crimes are reported to the police after a delay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence)

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14 pages, 648 KiB  
Concept Paper
Collaborative Approaches to Addressing Domestic and Sexual Violence among Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Southampton: A Case Study of Yellow Door
by Oluwatayo Adeola Olabanji
Societies 2022, 12(6), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12060165 - 19 Nov 2022
Viewed by 3657
Abstract
Domestic and sexual abuse have been in the academic discourse for quite some time. In recent years in the United Kingdom, the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the charity sector have doubled their efforts to tackle this challenge through different approaches. One of [...] Read more.
Domestic and sexual abuse have been in the academic discourse for quite some time. In recent years in the United Kingdom, the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the charity sector have doubled their efforts to tackle this challenge through different approaches. One of these approaches is the establishment of specialist services. A case study of these specialist interventions is two advocacy services within a community-based domestic and sexual abuse charity in Southampton named Yellow Door (YD). In line with the specialist service approach (SSA), the diversity, inclusion and advocacy (DIA) service and the Black and minority ethnic Communities (BME) independent sexual violence advisory (ISVA) service were created to address the needs of the BME community. Through the adoption of the collaboration, prevention and education approach, these services support survivors from this community, professionals and community groups to encourage more disclosures and support clients holistically. Recommendations to encourage more reporting and better ways to improve the needs of clients from BME communities were proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence)
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13 pages, 276 KiB  
Concept Paper
Good Lives Model: Importance of Interagency Collaboration in Preventing Violent Recidivism
by Jaimee Sheila Mallion
Societies 2021, 11(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc11030096 - 11 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4871
Abstract
Violence is a complex and multifaceted problem requiring a holistic and individualized response. The Good Lives Model (GLM) suggests violence occurs when an individual experiences internal and external obstacles in the pursuit of universal human needs (termed primary goods). With a twin focus, [...] Read more.
Violence is a complex and multifaceted problem requiring a holistic and individualized response. The Good Lives Model (GLM) suggests violence occurs when an individual experiences internal and external obstacles in the pursuit of universal human needs (termed primary goods). With a twin focus, GLM-consistent interventions aim to promote attainment of primary goods, whilst simultaneously reducing risk of reoffending. This is achieved by improving an individuals’ internal (i.e., skills and abilities) and external capacities (i.e., opportunities, environments, and resources). This paper proposes that collaborations between different agencies (e.g., psychological services, criminal justice systems, social services, education, community organizations, and healthcare) can support the attainment of primary goods through the provision of specialized skills and resources. Recommendations for ensuring interagency collaborations are effective are outlined, including embedding a project lead, regular interagency meetings and training, establishing information sharing procedures, and defining the role each agency plays in client care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Collaborative Community Approaches to Addressing Serious Violence)
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