Self-protective behaviours against crime in urban settings: An empirical approach to vulnerability and victimization models

Abstract

Previous research on the relationships between age, sex, ethnic group or previous victimization experience and fear of crime is controversial, as inconsistent results have been obtained, many of them attributable to a lack of methodological and conceptual consensus. We propose the study of self-protective behaviours motivated by fear of crime as a useful alternative that pays attention to the consequences of fear for urban quality of life. A survey with a representative sample of residents in a major city in Spain provides evidence about sex and age differences in self-protective behaviours against crime. Results from the ‘classical’ vulnerability and victimization models are discussed and the suitability of the evolutionary and the routine activities perspectives is also considered.

Victimization, perception of insecurity, and changes in daily routines in Mexico

“…Likewise, according to the report made by the Government of the State of Morelos d , in recent years, most frequent crimes are fundamentally violent and predominantly affect men who are both victims and perpetrators. In a study conducted by San-Juan et al 17 , it was found that women were victims more often than men. However, our study shows that the percentage of victimized men and women is very similar (12.9% and 13.2%, respectively).…”

“…Similarly to what happens with restrictions of everyday activities, men, especially those who were victims of crime, adopt more protective measures than women. As noted by San-Juan et al 17 , the family protection is, still, a responsibility assigned mainly to men. In this sense, being a victim of crime can involve a failure in the task of protecting yourself and your family 20 .…”

“…In addition, the fear is related to the inhibition of social behaviors which, in turn, increases this feeling, forming a bond difficult to break and causing changes in the lifestyle of citizens 3 . Therefore, a higher perception of insecurity of victims seems to favor not only a transformation of the social interaction patterns, but also a change in daily routines, such as avoiding leaving home or passing by dangerous locations, and establishing surveillance measures within homes 17 , 23 . These changes reduce the use of public places, since these areas can create uncertainty about safety.…”

Non-state space: the strategic ejection of dangerous and high maintenance urban space

“…Security is also provided privately in many public areas, so that safety has become less of a public right (Zedner, 2003), and in some cases access to security is becoming a kind of club good, brokered by the ability to afford entry to bubbles of safety in predictable and secured spaces (Hope, 2000). Despite public space appearing to be an open and shared asset, our social backgrounds offer particular vantage points from which avoidance behaviours (of particular neighbourhoods) and security measures are implemented (San-Juan, Vozmediano, & Vergara, 2012).…”

People's Sense of Security about Crime: Analysis the Brazilian Case

“…Thus, the role of the victim in this process is essential, because without information from the population it is difficult to develop effective actions to control crime. In this sense, Carneiro [9] comments that the information provided by the victims of the crime is relevant to the crime-fighting policies. It complements saying that the crimes that cause a greater sense of insecurity are those related to homicide, assault, rape, and theft.…”