Perceptions of Violence (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 336-339, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122480
• Author(s): V Sacco
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

A 1983 Vancouver (Canada) urban survey revealed that most women perceived themselves as being at high risk for sexual assault, which engendered a fear that influenced their lifestyles.

Abstract

This fear of sexual assault was woven into anxiety about other crimes, such as burglary or robbery attended by the threat of sexual assault. This fear was greatest among young women who did not consider themselves homemakers. The rate and circumstances of sexual assaults, however, are not commensurate with the fear harbored nor the precautions taken by most women. The frequency of sexual assault, particularly by a stranger, does not justify women's fear of being so victimized. Even though the lifestyle restrictions and precautions taken by women are designed to prevent an assault by a stranger outside the home, the highest percentage of sexual assaults are perpetrated by a friend or acquaintance of the victim, usually in the victim's or perpetrator's residence. Further research should identify factors in women's sense of vulnerability to and high risk of sexual assault so that measures may be taken to bring their fear and precautions more in line with actual threat.