Community-Based Crime and Violence Prevention

Chargé de Affairs of the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador Robert Blau at the inaguration of the Altavista Sports Complex, together with “Felix” y “Pax,” two characters that are part of the “No Room for Violence” media campaign developed by USAID. Foto por Karen Azucena, USAID

The reduction of crime and violence is one of the biggest challenges facing El Salvador today. In a nation with one of the highest per-capita rates of violent crime in the world, crime and violent acts tragically affect the lives of citizens on a daily basis, and diminish possibilities for economic development by deterring investment in the country’s progress.

Together with our community partners, USAID recognizes the need for creative solutions to address the root causes of crime and violence in the country. Because of this, we have invested in innovative crime prevention activities in 11 of the most at-risk municipalities in El Salvador.

Current Activities

• A Community-Based Approach – In conjunction with the Government of El Salvador, USAID selects at-risk municipalities and communities for participation in our program. Then, we bring them together with local authorities, government institutions, crime observatories, civil society organizations and the private sector, who provide support for crime and violence prevention activities.
• Creating Innovative Alliances - Part of the larger Merida Initiative to address crime across Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI) works in Zaragoza, San Juan Opico, Ciudad Arce, and Nahuizalco to bring together multiple levels of government, civil society and business in alliances whose goal is to develop innovative approaches that prevent and diminish the gang problem.
• Renewing Public Spaces – Small grants are provided for activities such as the renewal of public spaces and recreational facilities, sports and educational programs, and vocational training and entrepreneurship courses for Salvadoran youth to provide healthy alternatives that deter involvement in criminal activities.
• Supporting National Leadership – USAID is working with the national and local governments to develop a national crime prevention policy as well as an improved tracking and mapping system to help monitor prevention efforts and create successful interventions and strategies.

Accomplishments

• In each of its project sites, USAID has brought together representatives from at-risk communities, municipalities, civil society (NGO's, churches and the private sector) and national government staff in Inter-Institutional Working Groups to develop creative approaches to crime and violence prevention in their communities.
• Approximately 35 trainings have been carried out since project start up, with a total of 2,016 benefitting participants.
• Fourteen recreational spaces have been renewed in Tonacatepeque, Ilopango, San Martín, Armenia, and Izalco to provide youth with safe areas to carry out healthy recreational activities.
• The “No-Room for Violence” Media Campaign engaged children across the country in creating a peaceful environment at school and in their communities, with financial support from private sector groups such as Grupo Roble, FEPADE, APEX BBDO, Jaguar Sportic, 3 Puntos, and Telefonica.

Documents

• Community-Based Crime and Violence Prevention [182.60 KB | 2010-06-30]

Contact:
Mauricio Herrera
USAID/El Salvador
503-2501-3444
mherrera@usaid.gov