Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether an individual's prior victimization experience and their general fear of crime would predict perceptions of crime seriousness. In contrast to a majority of past research investigating prior victimization, general fear of crime, and perceptions of crime seriousness, the present research utilized a sample that more closely resembled actual crime victims. The demographics of the present sample
(i.e., students) matched the characteristics of a high risk population (e.g., youthful age, participation in certain types of social activities, living arrangements, and income level). Although no significant findings were found, implications and future research were discussed.
