Fear of crime in a UK sample of gay and heterosexual men
| Date | 31 January 2011 |
| Published date | 31 January 2011 |
| Pages | 25-31 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5042/jacpr.2011.0019 |
| Author | Terence Laing,Michelle Davies |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
25Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research • Volume 3 Issue 1 • January 2011 © Pier Professional Ltd
Introduction
Fear of crime (FOC) is a subject that has been
substantially investigated in recent years.
Variables such as age, gender, socioeconomic
status and ethnicity have been implicated as
playing crucial roles in the development of FOC
(for a comprehensive review, see Hale, 1996).
Findings regarding age (eg. Tulloch, 2000; Hale,
1996) and gender differences (eg. Fetchenhauer
& Buunk, 2005; Ferraro, 1996) have shown
that the elderly and women display higher
fear levels than younger adults and males. A
paradox is found when comparing fear levels
against victimisation statistics, however, in that
younger men generally express low FOC but
are the most likely to suffer crimes against
the person (eg. Fetchenhauer & Buunk, 2005;
Ferraro, 1996).
The paradox between levels of fear and
actual victimisation has been explained in terms
of the level of vulnerability that specific groups
of individuals feel (Killias & Clerici, 2000).
The level of vulnerability that an individual
experiences occurs firstly at a common sense-
level, when the individual feels unable to
protect themselves, and secondly at a coping
level; when considering the recovery period
post-victimisation, they experience vulnerability
in regards to personal loss (Moore & Shepherd,
2006). This vulnerability hypothesis is effective
in explaining fear in a number of situations
(Pantazis, 2000; Heath 2001).
Fear of crime in a UK sample
of gay and heterosexual men
Terence Laing
Student, School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK
Michelle Davies
Senior Lecturer in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK
ABS TR AC T
The current study investigated fear of crime and perceived risk of victimisation in a general
population sample of gay and heterosexual men in the United Kingdom. 55 g ay and 57
heterosexual men wer e recruite d via o pportunity sampling, in Manche ster, nort h-west
England. T hey were required to comple te a qu estionnaire asking a bout their fear o f
becoming a victim of severa l differen t types of crime, their perceived risk of victimisatio n,
types of avoidance behaviours in whic h they partake, a nd experie nces of crime.
Results indicated that gay men had higher levels of fear and perceived risk of victimisation
than heterosexual men, for most crimes tested. Avoidance of crime, and personal experience
of victimisation significantly related to both fear of crime and perceived risk of victimisation.
Risk of victimisation, being gay, previously having been victimised and experience of
incivilities were highlighted as key factors predicting levels of fear.
In conclusion, methodological issues and future research are considered.
KEY WORDS
Fear of crime; victimisation; sexuality.
10.5042/jacpr.2011.0019
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