NCJ Number
186252
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 306-322
Date Published
August 2000
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examines, theoretically and empirically, the influence of sexual harassment on women’s perceptions of safety.
Abstract
Because perceptions of safety among women are largely related to fears of sexual victimization, sexual harassment, particularly when it involves strangers, should indicate sexual vulnerability and typify particular contexts as dangerous and threatening. Using data from a national sample of Canadian women, the study first examined the prevalence of stranger and nonstranger sexual harassment and then examined their influence on perceptions of safety. Findings indicate that stranger harassment was more prevalent and more extensive than non-stranger harassment and that stranger harassment more strongly influenced fear of victimization. This study has implications for contemporary public policy. The article suggests that, while there is increased attention to the potential of police to improve quality of life by policing disorders, it is important to recognize gender-specific and more ephemeral disorders, such as sexual harassment. Preventing street harassment through community policing has the potential to dramatically improve women’s quality of life. Tables, notes, references