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Impact on Family Violence of a Cluster Randomized Trial Remediating Vacant and Abandoned Property: New Orleans, LA, 2017-2022
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Impact on Family Violence of a Cluster Randomized Trial Remediating Vacant and Abandoned Property: New Orleans, LA, 2017-2022

Katherine P Theall, Julia M Fleckman, Maeve Wallace, Jasmine Wallace, Jeanette Gustat, Michelle Kondo, Christopher Morrison, Charles C Branas and Catherine Taylor
American journal of public health (1971), pe1
20 Aug 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308626
PMID: 42623581

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of vacant and abandoned property remediation on family violence and determine whether neighborhood characteristics modify intervention effects. We performed a cluster randomized trial across 23 neighborhoods in New Orleans, Louisiana, between 2017 and 2022. The intervention included cleaning and greening of lots, building fixes for structures, and regular maintenance of 296 (53 structures and 243 lots) properties in treated clusters. Remediation had an impact on domestic crime and child maltreatment incidents, with a 40% reduction in domestic crimes (95% confidence interval [CI] = -63.85, -16.54;  = .001) and a 16% reduction (95% CI = -28.21, -2.66;  = .02) in total child maltreatment incidents among parcels in the lots and structures arm as well as an 11% reduction in domestic crimes (95% CI = -16.76, -4.92;  = .01) and a 17% reduction (95% CI = -33.10, -2.16;  = .03) in total child maltreatment incidents among parcels in the lots-only arm. We also observed a greater effect of the intervention in areas with greater alcohol availability and a mixed pattern across areas of concentrated disadvantage. Remediating neighborhood vacant and abandoned property may be an important target for interventions focused on reducing family violence. ( . Published online ahead of print August 20, 2026:e1-e9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308626).

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