USAID’s $24.8 million Crime and Violence Prevention Project helps increase citizen safety in 33 municipalities throughout El Salvador. The project supports the Salvadoran government’s National Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy and municipal-led prevention plans to reduce crime and violence in targeted high-crime communities. 

USAID is working with Salvadoran government institutions and municipal prevention councils, composed of local authorities, community and church organizations, and business leaders, to make neighborhoods safe.  By conducting a diagnostic to identify security problems, prevention councils and government institutions, with USAID assistance, design specific prevention plans that address the needs of their municipality.  

A particular concern in all municipalities is to provide alternatives for youth who are vulnerable as targets and perpetrators of crime and susceptible to gang recruitment.  At community youth centers, children and adolescents can study and receive tutoring, learn computer and other vocational skills, take music, dance and art lessons, engage in sports activities or meet with friends in a safe place with adult supervision.  There are currently 119 centers nationwide providing services for over 25,000 youth.  

The project also supports municipal prevention centers that provide citizens a “one-stop shop” for crime and violence prevention services, including conflict resolution, employment facilitation, services for women and youth, and guidance and information on laws and services available to the public.  

USAID provides funding for specific municipal projects such as the rehabilitation of public spaces, vocational training, and crime prevention campaigns.

In addition to USAID assistance and municipal government contributions, the project has agreements with 14 private companies and foundations that are supporting the Crime and Violence Prevention project.  Examples include Microsoft, which is providing computers and software for the youth centers and establishing Microsoft training academies. One Salvadoran business is now sponsoring a youth center, while another major company is providing courses and training for youth center coordinators and volunteers in working with at-risk youth.  A leading Salvadoran architectural firm is helping municipalities with the designs for safe and attractive public areas.