NCJ Number
150248
Date Published
1994
Length
45 pages
Annotation
In examining how violent crime has changed over the past few years in Canada, the authors conclude that violent crime is a serious social issue but that it has not substantially increased in recent years.
Abstract
Factors that may account for the discrepancy between statistical data on violence and the public's fear of crime include statistical reporting methods, media portrayals of violence, and demographic and social factors. Canada's Criminal Code is constantly being revised based on changes in public attitudes toward crime and on crime measurements. Crime rates are measured using official reporting to police through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system, victimization surveys, and self-reports. Results of victimization surveys and self-report studies show that official police statistics tap only a fraction of violent offenses occurring each year. In particular, violent crimes against women and children are grossly underreported. Opinion surveys indicate that fear of violence is a major public concern, and the media plays a significant role in the shaping of public attitudes. In addition, demographic, social, and political factors contribute to the increased concern over violent crime. A conceptual framework to explain fear of violence is presented, and crime prevention recommendations are offered. Violent crimes in the UCR system are listed in an appendix. 48 references, 1 table, and 2 figures