Using Action Research to Respond to Alcohol-related Violence

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Despite a lower per capita consumption of alcohol than countries such as the United States, Canada, or Mexico, Colombia has a very high rate of alcohol-related violent incidents, including simple and aggravated assaults, family violence, and homicide. We developed a collaborative response to alcohol-related violence in two urban communities of Bogotá (Colombia’s capital, seven million inhabitants): Engativá and Fontibón. Using participatory Action Research, we created a partnership involving civil society organizations, licensed premises´ owners, police, community leaders and local government officials. We drew from the Social Development Model theory of antisocial behavior (Catalano & Hawkins, 1996), and focused on the development of pro-social bonds among community groups to reduce the likelihood of violence. We used observations, individual interviews, and focus groups with all stakeholders in order to identify risk factors associated with violence, and develop an action plan following Moore et al (2012)´s Revised Intervention Logic Model. As part of this process, we explored the partnership´s commitment to the resulting action plan. The ultimate goal is to work with communities to further their understanding of factors contributing to violence and assist them in the development of their own responses to problems.

Authors

• Monica Perez-Trujillo, University of Los Andes, Colombia

• Augusto Perez-Gomez, Corporación Nuevos Rumbos

• Marcela Correa, Corporación Nuevos Rumbos

• Maria Fernanda Reyes, Corporación Nuevos Rumbos