Actions to reduce the social conditions perceived by the inhabitants of the city of Cúcuta as influencing urban violence

The aim of the study was to propose measures focused on collective efficacy to reduce the social conditions associated with violence as perceived by Cúcuta commune inhabitants, department of Norte de Santander (Colombia). A multiple correspondence analysis with optimal scaling was used on the data collected via a survey. It was observed in the communes—groups of neighbourhoods into which Cúcuta is organised—that their residents: doesn′t take measures against violence; alter their habits out of fear of insecurity and perceive social conditions—such as street dwellers, media influence—and structural conditions—such neighbourhood decay, and job scarcity—as drivers of violence. It is proposed that residents denounce neighbourhood delinquency through social media, install lighting, and organise maintenance and care teams, amongst other social control measures that neighbours—based on social trust, which represents collective efficacy—can implement to reduce those social conditions. It is recommended that the City Council take charge of training in citizen participation and organization, as this exceeds the residents’ capabilities. It is concluded that the perceived social conditions associated with violence constitute transgressions of social norms, which can be reduced through informal actions organised by neighbourhood residents focused on collective efficacy.