Criminal Victimization and Fear of Crime

Abstract
The purpose of this research is twofold: to examine the relationship between criminal victimization and age-related characteristics, and to investigate the extent and reasons for high rates of fear of crime among the elderly. The data suggest a linear relationship between age and victimization with the elderly being victimized least and the age category of 18-24 having the highest victimization rates. The evidence supports conclusions that the elderly have the highest fear of crime and "'community protectiveness" is used as an important explanation for differences between rural and urban elderly fear of crime. A multivariate approach was used to determine the impact of criminal victimization and fear of crime upon the elderly.