ERIC Number: EJ749257
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 20
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0886-2605
EISSN: N/A
Perceptions of Victimization Risk and Fear of Crime among Lesbians and Gay Men
Otis, Melanie D.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, v22 n2 p198-217 2007
Research on fear of crime has evolved to suggest the existence of a complex relationship between individual, lifestyle, and contextual factors. Past work generally focuses on predominantly heterosexual populations; this study examines correlates of fear of crime and perceptions of risk among a sample of 272 self-identified lesbians and gay men. Higher levels of perceived risk and fear of victimization were found among females, persons in neighborhoods characterized by incivility, and persons who had experienced previous victimization. Perceived risks of personal and property victimization were similar for males and females. Contrary to past research, women did not seem to view all types of potential victimization as opportunities for sexual assault. Instead, fear of victimization was offense specific--past personal victimization predicted fear of future personal victimization, and past property victimization predicted fear of future property victimization. Similarities and differences between current findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Descriptors: Victims of Crime, Females, Neighborhoods, Homosexuality, Fear, Crime, Context Effect, Attitude Measures, At Risk Persons, Life Style, Community Characteristics, Antisocial Behavior, Correlation, Individual Differences, Social Influences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A