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The Association of Neighborhood Characteristics and Domestic Violence in Santiago, Chile

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Abstract

The growing tension between conservative attitudes and liberal policies on gender issues in Chile is reflected by the high rates of domestic violence juxtaposed by a strong governmental policy aimed at preventing this social problem. Attempts to understand factors associated with domestic violence in Chile, and in other countries as well, have not paid much attention to neighborhood-level factors. This manuscript examined the extent to which selected neighborhood characteristics were associated with domestic violence against women. Relying on theories of social disorganization and social stress, this study conceptualized residence in a disadvantaged neighborhood as a source of stress and examined the relationship between detrimental physical and social characteristics of neighborhoods and the chance of women experiencing domestic violence. Results revealed that a higher level of trash in neighborhoods was associated with increased rates of domestic violence above and beyond individual characteristics. Findings also suggested that the relationship between high levels of trash in neighborhoods and domestic violence was greater for women with higher levels of financial stress. Given the potential role of neighborhood environments in reducing domestic violence, a comprehensive approach incorporating both neighborhood- and individual-level factors may be critical in designing effective preventive interventions for domestic violence.

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Acknowledgements

We are extremely grateful to the families in Chile for their participation in this study. This study received support from the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01 DA021181) and the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis School of Social Work Research and Training Center.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Huiyun Kim, Andrew Grogan-Kaylor, Yoonsun Han, Laura Maurizi & Jorge Delva

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  1. Huiyun Kim
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  2. Andrew Grogan-Kaylor
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  3. Yoonsun Han
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  4. Laura Maurizi
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  5. Jorge Delva
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Correspondence to Huiyun Kim.

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Kim, H., Grogan-Kaylor, A., Han, Y. et al. The Association of Neighborhood Characteristics and Domestic Violence in Santiago, Chile. J Urban Health 90, 41–55 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-012-9706-6

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