Examining the relationship between urban liveability and gender-based violence: A systematic review

Gender-based violence can include, but is not limited to, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, and intimate partner homicide. It is well-established that gender inequality is the main driver of gender-based violence. However, little work has attempted to unpack how gender-based violence perpetuates within the neighbourhood context, and whether ‘liveability’ attributes might intersect with gender inequality and violence. We systematically reviewed quantitative evidence examining associations between gender-based violence and several liveability neighbourhood-level factors. MEDLINE (Ovid) and Scopus databases yielded 1822 potentially relevant articles. 50 articles met inclusion criteria. Neighbourhood social capital was most consistently associated with reduced gender-based violence. Few studies examined built environment attributes (e.g. gambling venue densities, access to services). Future research is needed to more deeply examine how combinations of salutogenic or pathogenic neighbourhood attributes may reinforce or prevent violence. •We systematically reviewed the literature on liveability and gender-based violence.•We conceptualised gender-based violence occurrence through a socio-ecological lens.•Emerging evidence shows liveability features are important, but several gaps remain.•Examples of gaps include: green space, public transport, service environment.•Future research should examine how (non-)liveability may contribute to violence.