What best predicts violence in Richmond neighborhoods? Negligent landlords

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that landlords who allow their properties to become dilapidated despite having tenants are more likely to be violent than other factors.

According to the lead author Samuel West, an assistant professor of psychology at Virginia State University, gentrification contributes to violence inRichmond neighborhoods. The impact on those who live in these neighborhoods was greater than the impact on those who don't live in these neighborhoods.

Data on violence events, tax delinquencies of company-owned properties, tax delinquency of personal properties, population density, race, income, food stamps and alcohol outlets were collected by West and other researchers.

Tax delinquencies of company-owned properties were the only variable that predicted violence.

For a different time period, the researchers replicated the analysis and found the same result.

The project was started by West, who was a researcher with the Injury and Violence Prevention Program at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The study compares forms of neighborhood instability as predictors of violence.

Diane L. Bishop is an instructor in the Division of Epidemiology in the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health in the School of Medicine and is one of the authors of the study.

West said the findings are consistent with previous research that suggests slumlord buyout programs are linked to reduced violence in cities. A program in Philadelphia bought neglected properties in the East Liberty neighborhood and gave them to community residents to rehabilitate them. It resulted in a decline in violence over time.

The data supports the use of such programs to curb violence among other social difficulties. I believe that the program that was done in Philadelphia was too small and that it would be a good idea to do it in the city ofRichmond.

Tenants in Virginia can't be evicted if their landlord loses their rental property to state property auctions. He said that delinquent properties are seized and auctioned off to recover costs.

He said that when this happens, the winners of the auction are given carte blanche to decide what to do with the tenants. The residential stability of our neighborhoods is at risk.

West was inspired to look at dilapidated buildings next to new construction.

He said it was important to understand how these seemingly inane aspects of our society may impact some of our deepest problems.

The researchers hope their findings will contribute to a growing perspective by scholars that research should break away from the traditional view that members of a community are to blame for violence in the area.

West said that they need to be examining and addressing the impacts of forces from outside high-violence communities that carry such major consequences.

Individual autonomy may be considered a key factor.

autonomy is a psychological need according to social psychologists." He said that in the case of a negligent landlord, the tenant may live in a constant state of violations of their own autonomy which may further undermine attempts to improve the conditions of their own communities. When this autonomy is restored, it is used in a productive way to improve the quality of life and safety of all in their communities.

More information: Samuel J. West et al, Comparing forms of neighborhood instability as predictors of violence in Richmond, VA, PLOS ONE (2022). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273718 Journal information: PLoS ONE Citation: What best predicts violence in Richmond neighborhoods? Negligent landlords (2022, September 14) retrieved 14 September 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-09-violence-richmond-neighborhoods-negligent-landlords.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.