Crime & communities
Tackling fear of crime & disorder in the community
From places to people - three theoretical models relating to the fear of crime
Just as a particular area can be broadly characterised and put into the Fear of Crime Matrix, people's fear can also be broadly categorised via three main models of behaviour: Social Control, Vulnerability and Victimisation.
1) Social Control
This suggests that social control, or rather a lack of it, can be the source of fear when compared with other issues, for example, the objective risk of victimisation. Concerns about perceived inactivity by those in authority and increased social disorder are also covered. Incivility, disorder and neighbourhood decline may lead to actual or symbolic threats which can enhance fear of crime.
2) Vulnerability
This proposes that personal characteristics contribute to people's fear. Some people perceive themselves to be physically vulnerable and consequently unable to resist an attack on themselves or their property. Others see themselves as being socially vulnerable and fear being exposed to victimisation that they will not have the capacity to resist.
3) Victimisation
This is where high crime levels lead to a high number of victims, resulting in people having a high level of fear in anticipation of being victimised.
Recent research suggests that each of these models, particularly the first two add to our understanding of the fear of crime, but are not sufficient by themselves to explain why fear of crime occurs and how it can be tackled.
Last update: Wednesday, October 25, 2006