The influence of prior victimization and other factors on college students' fear of crime and perception of safety

This research examines how college students' fear of crime and perception of safety at a university relates to prior victimization, knowledge of others' victimization, perception of likelihood of victimization, and worry about a school shooting. Data for this research come from online surveys completed in 2016 by 133 randomly selected undergraduate students attending a university located in the eastern United States. Results show no statistically significant difference in fear on campus for research participants who had experienced prior victimization on or off campus compared to those who had no such experience. There is a statistically significant difference in perception of safety at the university between those who experienced victimization off campus compared to those who had not. However, there is no statistically significant difference in safety perception between those who experienced victimization on campus and those who had not. Results indicate that variables that predict fear on campus and perception of safety at the university differ, confirming that fear of crime and perception of safety are not the same. Recommendations to reduce students' fear and improve perception of safety are offered.