Medical College of Wisconsin
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Green Space, Violence, and Crime: A Systematic Review. Trauma Violence Abuse 2016 Apr;17(2):160-71

Date

04/01/2015

Pubmed ID

25824659

DOI

10.1177/1524838015576412

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84962856911 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   178 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the state of evidence on relationships among urban green space, violence, and crime in the United States.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Major bibliographic databases were searched for studies meeting inclusion criteria. Additional studies were culled from study references and authors' personal collections. Comparison among studies was limited by variations in study design and measurement and results were mixed. However, more evidence supports the positive impact of green space on violence and crime, indicating great potential for green space to shape health-promoting environments.

CONCLUSION: Numerous factors influence the relationships among green space, crime, and violence. Additional research and standardization among research studies are needed to better understand these relationships.

Author List

Bogar S, Beyer KM

Author

Kirsten M. Beyer PhD, MPH Professor in the Institute for Health and Humanity department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Crime
Criminology
Environment Design
Humans
Parks, Recreational
Safety
United States
Urban Population
Violence