Assessing The Socioeconomic and Psychological Impact of Street Crime on Community Peace and Victim Resilience

Authors

  • Tooba Naseer Ahmed PhD Scholar, Department of Social Work, University of Karachi
  • Prof. Dr. Nasreen Aslam Shah Meritorious Prof. (Retd), Department of Social Work, Ex- Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Ex- Director Centre of Excellence for Women’s Studies, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.

Keywords:

Street Crime, Community Peace, Victim Resilience, Socioeconomic Impact, Psychological Impact

Abstract

Street crime poses a significant threat to community peace
and individual resilience, disrupting the socioeconomic and
psychological well-being of societies. This study investigates the
prevalence and multifaceted consequences of street crime, employing
a mixed-methods approach to provide comprehensive insights. Key
findings indicate that street crime imposes substantial socioeconomic
burdens, including financial losses and increased security
expenditures, disproportionately affecting low-income households.
The psychological toll is equally profound, with victims experiencing
fear, anxiety, and trauma that often lead to long-term emotional
distress. The research further reveals a strong correlation between
the intensity of street crime and the erosion of community cohesion,
as fear of victimization weakens social bonds and trust among
residents. Despite these challenges, the study identifies strategies to
enhance victim resilience and restore community peace. These
include strengthening law enforcement-community collaboration,
fostering social support networks, and implementing communitybased
crime prevention programs. The findings underscore the need
for holistic policy interventions that address both the root causes of
street crime and its widespread impacts. These insights provide
valuable guidance for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and
community leaders striving to mitigate the pervasive effects of street
crime and promote safer, more resilient urban environments.

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Published

2025-01-20