Risk Perception and Security Precautions Taken By Robbery and Assault Victims

• NCJ Number: 149646
• Author(s): G Moser; A Pascual
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 121 pages
• Sale Source: Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Secutite Interieure
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: French
• Country: France

Annotation

This report surveyed how personal robbery, car theft, burglary, and assault had changed the feelings of security of 110 victims of crime in Paris and its surrounding areas, immediately after the crime and 3 months later, and how the crime had affected the victim's feelings about police responsibility.

Abstract

The study surveyed victim's feelings of insecurity and attitudes towards police based on two factors: the type of crime and the responsibility felt by the victim for the actual occurrence of the crime, such as being in a dangerous situation for a purpose or by accident. Results are presented for feelings of insecurity and attitudes towards police by victim responsibility for the occurrence of the crime (personal control, no control, or chance) and by type of crime (vehicle theft, petty larceny, assault, or breaking and entering). Overall conclusions suggest that when victims had no control over the crime, they blamed police for lack of control, both immediately after the crime and 3 months later. When victims felt some personal responsibility for the crime, they also assumed personal blame rather than blaming the police. Based on survey results, it is suggested that police can best offer advice to victims based on the type of crime and that suggestions on improved security should be offered immediately after the occurrence of the crime. 36 references, 57 tables, 3 appendixes, and 12 figures