Gender, crime victimization and fear of crime

Crime and security on college campuses have received increasingly widespread attention in light of several recent, high-profile events. This study examines the relationship between victimization and fear of crime in a sample of college students, filling gaps in the literature by addressing key issues related to gender differences in fear. A sample of young adults was asked about prior victimization and fear of crime. Gender differences between men and women are examined in terms of relationships among four main types of personal victimization: stalking, sexual assault, family violence and intimate partner violence (IPV). Findings indicate that females are victimized more and are more fearful of crime than males. Race is also associated with fear in this sample. Furthermore, some types of crime victimization are significantly associated with fear of crime, although these associations differ from daytime to night. Implications are discussed in terms of gender, fear and crime victimization on campus. Security Journal (2009) 22, 24-39. doi: 10.1057/sj.2008.13