For some time we have been wondering why so much violence in Ecuador? One answer is that violence occurs when the interests of powerful groups are not satisfied; But identifying bullies is not easy. Criminal groups take refuge in the shadows and observe the results of their work; they have anonymous eyes and informants at their service.

Intimidation of judges and prosecutors

Therefore, states that want to live in peace must identify which interests generate violence, and who is hiding in the shadows? Although police repression may be the solution, peace can also be achieved through a change in public policy. For example: in the last century, violence came to an end when the sale of alcoholic beverages was legalized.

General Villamil Playas went from 7 to 35 murders in one year, what’s going on in that Guayas resort?

So, in an ideal scenario, it is possible to eliminate uncertainty by legalizing the entire circle of production, distribution and consumption of these elements. However, this entire process must be consulted with the public, and public policy proposals must be built with the participation of society and scientific and technical advice.

However, the peculiarity of the current violence is that it is not an isolated event, but has various organizations interested in its maintenance. In other words, violent actions are subject to meticulous international and national planning, the study of the terrain on which the violence is carried out and the expectation of obtaining results that favor criminal circles.

Ecuador, the country where I grew up Ecuador, the country where I grew up

However, as several authors point out, violent actions are possible because they have the cooperation (voluntary or forced) of local actors. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to find out which mechanisms enable this coordinated work and which are the information channels that maintain these invisible and fundamental threads of criminal activities.

We must join the solutions to restore peace and see the streets again with people working, laughing… without fear.

There are various types of criminal acts, but today they are unique because they use terror as a form of social control. Terror has been a weapon used at various historical moments and although its definitions differ, all agree that the sudden and extreme use of violence destroys social security. It is a surprise, a characteristic that makes the terror all the more painful.

Preparing societies to overcome stages of violence is part of the state’s job. It’s time to take back our streets. Don’t we miss the conversation on the corner of the neighborhood or the walk of our children in the park? The sad thing about the current situation is that terror has taken over our theaters, stolen our peace of mind, and thereby destroys the hope for better days.

While the state and politicians organize themselves, every person, every family and every neighborhood can include family and individual protection in their decisions. Establish specific and local obligations for the return of territories – today stolen by crime -. We cannot expect the authorities to cover all needs and protect every block, because we are all the state.

We must join the solutions to restore peace and once again see the streets with people working, laughing, sharing, playing and walking without fear. (OR)