Violent crime affects countries on all continents, with known negative impacts on victims and society. Recent research highlights that even nearby violence, without direct victimization, can affect people’s well-being. Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of human well-being with profound importance for individuals, families, and societies. Yet, how local violent crime affects sexual and reproductive health remains poorly understood.

The SeRO project provides the first systematic account of the consequences of local violent crime on sexual and reproductive health. The project will also investigate how local crime affects sexual and reproductive health across different social groups and through which mechanisms, as well as how society responds to protect health. Themes under study include family planning, pregnancy, fertility, maternal health, gender-based violence, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ well-being, and other dimensions of sexual and reproductive health.

The project builds on an innovative mixed-methods approach to study the case of Mexico, combining nationally representative surveys, administrative records, rare clinic data, and in-depth interviews with Mexican stakeholders. Mexico is an ideal case study due to its recent dramatic surge and strong variation in violent crime, highly stratified sexual and reproductive health, and uniquely rich data resources.

This research advances knowledge about local violence as a social determinant of health. The SeRO project will provide evidence-based strategies for protecting health in violence-affected settings worldwide.

See also an interview about the SeRO project with PI Dr. Signe Svallfors.