Fear of Crime Among Caribbean Women in University: A Qualitative Exploration Using the Free Association Narrative Method

Abstract

Women attending university are generally at a heightened risk of victimization. As such, there is an emerging body of literature exploring fear of crime among them. Although several studies have explored this phenomenon quantitatively, relatively few have investigated fear of crime among this group of women in their own words. Using a sample of women at the University of the West Indies, this study seeks to address this gap. The study reveals strong support for the shadow of sexual assault theory as the women interviewed overwhelmingly describe their fear of crime against the background of their perceived vulnerability to rape.

Are women of all age groups equally affected by the shadow of sexual assault? Evidence from Germany

“…Empirical evidence backs the ‘shadow of sexual assault hypothesis’. Numerous studies found that females’ crime-related fears are underpinned by a deep-rooted worry that these crimes will culminate in sexual violence (Bailey, 2021; Choi et al, 2020; Cook and Fox, 2012; Dobbs et al, 2009; Doude and Cook, 2021; Ferraro, 1996; Fisher and Sloan, 2003; Hilinski, 2009; Hilinski et al, 2011; Hirtenlehner and Farrall, 2014; Jacobsen, 2021; Lane et al, 2009; Lane and Fox, 2013; Lane and Meeker, 2003; May, 2001; Mellgren and Ivert, 2019; Özascilar, 2013; Pettit et al, 2017; Riggs and Cook, 2015; Wilcox et al, 2006). Mellgren and Ivert (2019) demonstrate that both worry about sexual assault and worry about sexual harassment relate to fear of other offenses among Swedish university students.…”

“…Particular attention is paid to the significance of women's age for the size of the effect of fear of sexual assault on fear of other crimes, which represents another novel contribution to the literature. Although the shadow hypothesis has received empirical support (Bailey, 2021; Choi et al, 2020; Cook and Fox, 2012; Dobbs et al, 2009; Doude and Cook, 2021; Ferraro, 1996; Fisher and Sloan, 2003; Hilinski, 2009; Hilinski et al, 2011; Hirtenlehner and Farrall, 2014; Jacobsen, 2021; Lane et al, 2009; Lane and Fox, 2013; Lane and Meeker, 2003; May, 2001; Mellgren and Ivert, 2019; Özascilar, 2013; Pettit et al, 2017; Riggs and Cook, 2015; Wilcox et al, 2006), with most of the relevant studies based on North American convenience samples of college or university students, little is known about the role of age in this context. 2 This shortcoming may arise from the fact that age is largely invariant in samples of undergraduates with a limited age range.…”

“…To give a flavour of this imbalance, we demonstrate that it is easier to list the studies conducted outside of the USA. These are limited to Bailey (2021, data from Barbados), Choi et al (2020, South Korea), Hirtenlehner and Farrall (2014, Scotland), Mellgren and Ivert (2019, Sweden) and Özascilar (2013, also Sweden). Of these five studies, only two (Choi et al, 2020; Hirtenlehner and Farrall, 2014) do not use student samples.…”

“… 2. Of the 20 studies referred to immediately above, 13 were based on university or college students (Bailey, 2021; Cook and Fox, 2012; Dobbs et al, 2009; Doude and Cook, 2021; Fisher and Sloan, 2003; Hilinski, 2009; Hilinski et al, 2011; Jacobsen, 2021; Lane et al, 2009; Mellgren and Ivert, 2019; Özascilar, 2013; Pettit et al, 2017 and Riggs and Cook, 2015). Additionally, May's (2001) survey applied to high school students.…”