ABSTRACT
Violence extends throughout countries and cities of the region with differing characteristics, causing changes of urbanism (construction of walls in cities), new behaviour in the population (anxiety, helplessness), changes in social interactions (reduced citizen participation and socialisation) and the militarisation of cities (heavy-handed policies, military in the streets), as well as a reduction in the quality of life of the population (homicides). This chapter examines the transition between public space and private space and how these generate specific types of violence. If one accepts the statement that there is a historic relationship between cities and violence, one must also ask if there is particular violence that is experienced in cities and/or if they are a vessel for violence. Urban violence dates from time immemorial, it is inherent to cities; however, the violence of the past is distinct from that which exists today because the relationship between violence and cities has a history; and every incident of violence is historical.
