Social Drivers of Violent Crime

The latest in a series of publications on the link between criminal justice and health, the brief includes:

• Data and information on the structural and social drivers of violence, including racism, income inequality, neighborhood planning, gendered social norms, education and employment, health care, housing and criminal justice.
• Recently passed or proposed state-level policy changes that may have an impact on community violence.
• A set of evidence-informed policy recommendations and implementation examples that Ohio can leverage to drive improvement.

3 key findings for policymakers

• There are evidence-informed policy and program solutions to improve community conditions, prevent violence and improve community health and safety.
• Community conditions can perpetuate or prevent violence. Community factors including social norms, exposure to racism, income inequality and access to quality housing, education, employment and health care impact violence.
• Violence is a public health problem and is detrimental to the physical and mental health of individuals and communities.

HPIO resources

• Facts & Figures (PowerPoint data graphics from the report for public use)
• HPIO Criminal Justice and Health work 
• HPIO social drivers of health work
• HPIO health equity work