Prior victimization and general fear of crime as predictors of perceptions of crime seriousness.

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.