Urban green and blue space interventions to prevent violence against women and girls: a systematic scoping review with guidance for future research

Violence against women and girls (e.g. rape, stalking) often takes place in urban green and blue spaces, resulting in non-use and consequently a lack of potential health benefits for women and girls. We aimed to identify urban green and blue space interventions to prevent violence against women and girls, and provide guidance to support the design, and implementation of future strategies. An international scoping review (2012-2024, four databases) identified eight urban green and blue space interventions aimed at preventing violence (from 2,303 papers) each were subject to a methodological quality assessment. The majority (n = 5, 62.5%) implemented ‘cleaning and greening’ interventions, Safe Summer Parks Programme (n = 1), crime prevention through environmental design (n = 1) and a park-based after-school mental health programme (n = 1). Each study reported positive intervention effects on violence-related outcomes, including improved safety perceptions, and reductions in arrests, and serious and violent crimes. This review identified effective urban green and blue space interventions preventing violence in the general population; it highlighted the absence of urban green and blue space interventions to specifically prevent violence against women and girls; and emphasised limited variation regarding intervention type and location. A conceptual model to guide strategies to prevent violence against women and girls was developed.<br/><br/>