NCJ Number
216063
Date Published
2006
Length
15 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the literature on fear of crime, with attention to older people, this chapter draws on various British research data to suggest how to reduce fear of crime among older people.
Abstract
Based on the literature and the varied definitions of "fear of crime" used in the research, this chapter views "fear of crime" as the entire range of attitudes, perceptions, and views that older people have about crime and antisocial behavior, although acknowledging that most people differentiate between general perceptions of crime and anxiety about becoming a crime victim. The literature dispels the popular notion that older people are among those least likely to be victims of crime but who nevertheless fear crime the most. This viewpoint is based on an artificial grouping of people into a risk category for victimization based only on age, without taking into account age-group increments, gender, ethnicity, activities, and location of residence. Researchers have advanced at least three models for explaining fear of crime among older people: actual direct or indirect victimization; perceived or real inability to control and protect oneself from others' harmful behavior; and living in an urban environment perceived as having a high crime rate. These factors in turn relate to an older persons perceived vulnerability to crime and a perceived inability to cope with the impact of crime. The chapter concludes with suggestions for what can be done to reduce older persons' fear of crime through various methods of reassurance. The suggestions are categorized as schemes to reduce isolation and anxiety; purposeful police patrolling; the concentration of crime prevention resources in high-crime, low-income areas; and the coordination of multiple mechanisms and messages designed to reduce the causes of older persons' fear of crime. 23 references