Abstract

Latin America is a continent with high levels of violence and crime. More than half of the 20 most violent countries in the world are located in this region (UNDP 2013). Homicide, robbery, assault and other violent crimes are regular elements of urban life in almost all capitals as well as major urban conglomerates. Although increasing levels of criminal activity have impacted communities and politicians since the 1980s and 1990s, there is little understanding of its roots and general consequences.