Fear of crime in a UK sample of gay and heterosexual men

Abstract

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 gay and 57 heterosexual men were recruited via opportunity sampling, in Manchester, north-west England. They were required to complete a questionnaire asking about their fear of becoming a victim of several different types of crime, their perceived risk of victimisation, types of avoidance behaviours in which they partake, and experiences 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.