Differences in perceived fear of crime in public places by gender: the Safe neighborhoods in Istanbul

In big cities, safety is an important factor. Fear of crime is a factor that is not dependent on the actual level of crime, but is directly related to the quality of the space, which influences the individual's sense of safety. It also varies by gender. In this article, the authors examine the fear of crime in public places in a safe metropolitan area, looking at focusing on how this fear is influenced by spatial and gender differences. Survey was carried out in 2017 in one of the safest areas of Istanbul, which is also perceived as safe by women. It included a survey in which 387 respondents of different ages participated. The authors asked them about the fear of crime in public places and when and why they feel it. The results showed that women also feel some fear in a safe neighborhood in the city, and that there are significant differences between men and women in how they experience fear in public places and in what circumstances.