Fear of Crime (From Crime and Its Impact: A Study in a Black Metropolitan Area, P 140-183, 1990, J M Lotter, L B G Ndabandaba, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-129203)

• NCJ Number: 129207
• Author(s): K I Smith
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 44 pages
• Sale Source: South African Human Sciences Research Council
• Publication Type: Statistics
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa

Annotation

Based on interviews with an adult sample (677) of the general public and 1,846 crime victims in the black townships of KwaMashu and Umlazi (South Africa), this study examines the fear of crime and perspectives on crime among residents of these communities.

Abstract

Interview results indicate that most people in Umlazi and KwaMashu perceive that the crime problem is serious, rate their likelihood of becoming a victim of crime as high, and show considerable anxiety about the threat of crime. Residents' fear of crime stems largely from perceptions of a serious potential threat and actual risk of crime. Certain characteristics of persons -- low educational level, age, and previous victimization -- combine with perceptions of seriousness and risk to increase further the fear levels of certain groups. Young women in Umlazi and KwaMashu feel vulnerable to crime regardless of whether they regard the risk of victimization as high or low. Perceptions of the seriousness and risk of crime and the fear of crime are related to dissatisfaction with life. A large number of residents have changed or limited their activities, habits, or behavior because of their fear of crime. Most people have adopted some kind of protective measures against crime, but these measures did little to reduce their fear of crime. 19 references