Deosaran: Mental illness, not just poverty, closely linked to violent crime

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Deosaran: Mental illness, not just poverty, closely linked to violent crime

The idea that those who live in depressed areas turn to a life of crime because of a lack of material wealth is being challenged by Criminologist Ramesh Deosaran.

According to Wikipedia a not common explanation is that the outbreak in murders is due to drugs and gang related problems, especially in the depressed communities of East Port of Spain. Some researchers, while acknowledging the connections between gangs and violence in the area, argue that the role of illegal drugs has been overstated.

The search engine also says that Laventille has some of the highest crime rates in Trinidad and Tobago, with drugs, gangs, and murders being the main problem in this community.

This information has fostered the view that there is a direct correlation between poverty and crime.

Deosaran believes that the answer is multifaceted.

He says that the level of violence seen when crimes are committed in T&T these days suggests the more ominous explanation that mental issues also play a significant role in criminal activity.

He said that because of their mental state they are completely unaffected by their violent actions.

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