Elderly Victimization and Fear of Crime in Public Spaces
Date
2016
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Publisher
Academic Archive Online (DiVa)
Abstract
Drawing upon environmental criminology principles and fear of crime literature, this article investigates the types of outdoor places where most crimes against the elderly happen as well as the types of places most feared by them. The study employs an analysis of secondary data, crime mapping, fieldwork, and interviews with residents in a senior housing area in Stockholm, Sweden. Results show that most crime victims were exposed to theft, and all incidents took place in the environment close to the senior housing. Elderly perceived safety follows a ‘‘distance decay’’ from the residence, the safest places being the areas immediately outside the entrance of the senior housing, while the least safe are the deserted areas close to the petrol station. Findings also show that for those who are fairly mobile, the fact that they avoid some places does not necessarily mean their mobility is restricted, as previously expected, but it makes them walk farther. (Author Abstract)
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Keywords
Research, Victim Input, Safety Plan, International, Sweden, Robbery, Burglary, Community Perceptions, Victims, Fear of Crime, Seniors, Older Adults, Older Persons, Property Crime, Location, Public Safety, Anxiety, Mobility, Elderly
Citation
Ceccato, Vania; Bamzar, Roya (2016). Elderly Victimization and Fear of Crime in Public Spaces. International Criminal Justice Review, 20 pgs.