Criminology and cities of peace: a comprehensive approach to prevention and social transformation

Abstract

Ecuador faces a growing security crisis, with an alarming increase in the rates of violence and crime. This problem manifests itself in a multiform way with cases that integrate common and organized crime, based on structural problems such as poverty or social exclusion. Statistical data allow us to frame high rates of gender, psychological, physical and sexual violence as the most common. This context shows deep economic and social inequalities, exacerbated by a prolonged economic crisis that has increased migration, unemployment and informal employment. From a criminological perspective, daily violence is the result of a structural, cultural and direct cycle, added to social and economic stress and the state's inability to guarantee security, which has led to a significant deterioration of the social fabric. In this context, this study aims to identify effective strategies to transform the conditions that perpetuate insecurity. In response, a preventive and participatory approach is proposed to promote social peace. A critical legal analysis has been developed within a qualitative investigation that seeks to integrate criminal policy with strategies of education and community strengthening, aligned with the constitutional framework and human rights. The result explains the need for a structural transformation that prioritizes justice, equality and peaceful conflict resolution to reverse this trend of violence and build a safer environment for all.