A Gendered Analysis of the Shadow of Sexual Harm Among a College Sample

Abstract

This study uses survey methodology to examine correlates of fear of crime among men and women to discern the unique impact of risk perception, victimization, vicarious victimization, and fear of sexual harm on fear of crime. Recently, scholars have begun to examine fear separately by gender, which is vital given the unique experiences men and women have with fear and victimization. We examine two different types of fear of crime to determine whether the effects of these correlates differ by crime type across gender. Results suggest that fear of sexual harm and risk perception are the most important indicators of fear of crime for both genders; sexual harm fear is particularly impactful for female fear of violence. Race and ethnicity also have interesting impacts for male fear of violent crime because racial and ethnic minorities indicate more fear of violent crime than White males. The findings illustrate how imperative it is to continue to examine fear of specific types of crime as well as distinguish fear by gender.

Perceptions of violence against women in Europe: Assessing individual- and country-level factors

“…For example, fear of rape among college students may be more grounded in perceptions of harm and danger than in past violent experiences (Pryor and Hughes, 2013). Sexual harm, which is often captured in measures of IPV, is particularly impactful for college females’ fear of violence (Petitt et al, 2017), leading to the manifestation of defensive behaviours (for example, carrying something to defend themselves) and avoidant behaviours (for example, avoiding unsafe areas during the night because of crime) (Rader et al, 2009). Thus, fear of victimisation could also be related to women’s perception that victimisation is likely and/or imminent.…”

Gender differences between the emotions experienced and those identified in an urban space, based on heart rate variability

“…This suggests that there is a need to improve our understanding of the complex interactions between affective, behavioural and cognitive phenomena. Despite these similarities, it has been noted that women express higher indices of fear, which tend to be associated with greater concerns about sexual harassment and aggression (Pettitt et al, 2017). These phenomena show the importance of analysing this variable as a key element for improving the day-to-day life of the population as a whole.…”

Correlates of Fear of Victimization Among College Students in Spain: Gender Differences and Similarities

“…These findings held true regardless of the measurement of crime-related fear used within the study (fear of crime, fear of victimization, or perceived risk of victimization). However, as Ugwu and Britto (2015) pointed out, only a few of these studies have tested for the possibility that other master offenses 1 may explain the gender gap better than or equal to fear of rape (e.g., Petitt et al, 2017;Riggs & Cook, 2015).…”