Citation

Gomme IM. J. Crim. Justice 1986; 14(3): 249-258.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0047-2352(86)90005-X

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study focused upon the nature of indirect victimization in the Canadian context. The data were collected in 1980 through interviews with respondents (N = 640) aged 18 and older in three large metropolitan centers in Canada. A stratified multi-stage cluster sample was selected based upon Enumeration Areas in each locality. Using a multivariate data analysis technique, Discriminant Analysis, variables differentiating those fearing crime from those not fearing crime were isolated. Sex, previous victimization experience, socioeconomic status, conservatism, and social isolation were found to be significant discriminators whereas a variety of other demographic, social-psychological, and media exposure measures were not. Findings from the Canadian sample were compared to those from recently gathered American data that were similarly analyzed. The implications of major results for the development of strategies designed to reduce fear of crime are discussed.