### How Community Violence Affects Long-Term Health Exposure to community violence, including aggressive policing, can have profound and lasting effects on both mental and physical health. Research shows that such exposure can lead to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These mental health issues can, in turn, contribute to physical health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes. The stress from witnessing or experiencing violence causes the body to release stress hormones like cortisol, which can overwork the body's systems and lead to chronic health issues. Additionally, communities with high levels of violence often face other challenges like unemployment and poor education systems, which can further exacerbate health problems. It's essential to address these issues through community support and systemic changes to improve overall health outcomes.