Community safety is about preventing, resisting, and reducing crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour, and drug abuse (1). In this context, it refers to the safety, perceived safety and lack of fear from violence and crime against people and property (2). This also includes lack of gang involvement and other criminal activity. Community safety can be increased with awareness of law enforcement (3).
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Protective Factor
Community safety is a protective factor for mental health. Perception of high neighbourhood safety has been associated with lower psychological distress and depression (4). Furthermore, fear of crime is associated with increased depression, anxiety, and toxic stress (5).
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References
1. Local Government Association. Community safety: Councillor workbook [Internet]. 2012. Available from: http://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/community-safety-1e2.pdf
2. Stenson K. Sovereignty, biopolitics and the local government of crime in Britain. Theor Criminol [Internet]. 2005 [cited 2021 Jan 13];9(3):265–87. Available from: www.sagepublications.com
3. Adams RE, Rohe WM, Arcury TA. Awareness of community-oriented policing and neighborhood perceptions in five small to midsize cities. J Crim Justice. 2005 Jan 1;33(1):43–54.
4. Choi YJ, Matz-Costa C. Perceived Neighborhood Safety, Social Cohesion, and Psychological Health of Older Adults. Gerontologist [Internet]. 2018 Jan 18 [cited 2021 Jan 22];58(1):196–206. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/58/1/196/2894397
5. Daly S, Allen J. Healthy High Streets: Good place-making in an urban setting. London; 2018.
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