Fear of crime and gender:

the case of the BeSecure-FeelSecure project in Piraeus

Abstract

Fear of crime is a complex phenomenon primarily observed in urban settings. Research indicates that fear of crime is not solely connected to crime but is shaped by various factors. In this context, vulnerability seems to play a significant role, since risk perception mainly depends on the self-image of being vulnerable. This subjective dimension in relation to objective conditions, such as risk exposure, existing self-protective measures and the seriousness of threats, interacts and influences vulnerability, thereby shaping fear of crime. Research evidence indicates that gender is a factor related to fear of crime and insecurity, with women typically being more fearful than men and more worried about crimes against the person, which can be largely or partly attributed to differences in risk perception. This correlation is examined in the case of the BeSecure-FeelSecure Project, within which research was conducted on a representative sample of residents from two municipal departments in the city of Piraeus, Greece. The research data on fear of crime, perception of safety, direct victimisation, and citizens’ attitudes towards the police and local authorities were also analysed, considering gender alongside other individual characteristics such as age, education, and income.