Many studies have analysed the violence to which sex workers (SWs) are exposed in countries where prostitution is criminalised, but violence in sex work when it is a legal and freelance activity has seldom been studied. This study is based on non-systematic participant observation and 14 interviews conducted with cisgender and transgender freelance SWs exercising their profession in Switzerland. Findings show that all the participants had been victims of work-related offences and that their victimisation can be interpreted through the updated version of Routine Activities Theory. Few reported the victimisation to the police although in general, they said that they appreciated the Swiss police. Most common perpetrators were customers, passers-by, and colleagues. The places where offences occurred can be defined as risky settings. The police, the SWs themselves and other actors such as social workers are identified as controllers, while the legal framework and NGOs themselves can be labelled as super-controllers. Our study suggests that public policies should not be limited simply to regulating prostitution, but also continuing to ensure SW’s safety by developing evidence-based prevention strategies.

This is the first of two papers addressing language barriers in criminological discourse. The present paper rehearses arguments for comparative criminological research and identifies the administrative processes of journals leading to acceptance or rejection role of language as a contributory factor acting against the interests of those lacking fluency in a journal’s specified language of submission. Revisions of the common editorial practices of peer-reviewed journals are suggested. The potential contribution of machine translation is discussed.

This study aimed to explore how specific situational variables (remoteness, speed zones, days of the week, hours of the day) and risk factors (risky behaviours and road-related conditions) might influence the comparative likelihood and severity of alcohol-related crashes (ARCs). Vehicle crash data (N = 63,226) were analysed and included the details of crashes between 2015 and 2019. In comparison to non-ARCs, ARCs were up to two times more likely to occur in rural areas and on weekdays, and two to four times more likely in the late evening and early morning (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.). In addition, risky road conditions and driving behaviours were found to significantly increase both ARC likelihood and severity, with some factors (e.g., speeding) increasing fatality risk by up to nine times. Overall, this study highlights the specific risks associated with drink driving and highlights situational factors that may increase crash risk.

This paper utilizes an ecological perspective to explore the development of a crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) audit tool through an ongoing iterative process. We draw upon existing examples from criminology and research into auditing the built environment for physical activity and active travel. The purpose of the paper is to present a revised CPTED audit tool and process to assist those managing crime and anti-social behaviour in their streets, neighbourhoods and communities. It may also assist those seeking to use audits as part of the CPTED process set out in the recent International Standards on CPTED: ISO22341 (British Standards 2021). Following Ceccato (Crim Justice Stud 32:165–188, 2019), we briefly reflect on the validity, reliability and generalizability of the CPTED audit tool and consider further possible refinements for future iterations.

Parents are central to many learn to drive programmes internationally. This study surveys young drivers from Victoria and Queensland in Australia to examine if parental style impacts (a) intentions to offend on the road and (b) perceptions of police. Maccoby and Martin’s four parenting styles: (1) Authoritative, (2) Authoritarian, (3) Permissive, and (4) Neglectful inform the survey design. Results suggest that fixed offences like wearing a seatbelt or DUI are not impacted by different parental styles, while transient offences like speeding or dangerous driving are impacted. Specifically, young drivers with Authoritative or Authoritarian parents, who have higher levels of control, were less likely to speed or drive dangerously. Perceptions of police were also affected by parental style. Young drivers with Authoritative or Authoritarian parents had more positive perceptions of police than Neglectful or Permissive parents. The results suggest that parental support and education programmes could be developed to encourage parents to monitor their young person’s early driving career more closely.

Community safety is critical for adolescent health and development. This study was to (1) explore social factors contributing to adolescents' unsafe feelings and (2) measure the combined effects of multiple social disadvantages by mixed methods approach. The quantitative analysis using structural equation modeling (N = 24,356) showed that adolescents exposed to high levels of social disadvantages (e.g., gun violence, drug selling, gang activity, and poverty) had up to 19 times greater odds of perceiving their community as unsafe, and concentrated social disadvantages strongly and cumulatively impacted adolescents' unsafe perceptions. The qualitative study applied photovoice to collect photographs and viewpoints from six adolescents. The findings added new insights (e.g., living close to sexual offenders, child abduction) on social disadvantages and confirmed the quantitative results (e.g., mass shooting, tobacco selling). This mixed method study indicates safety promotion programs are highly needed for children and adolescents exposed to gun violence and concentrated social disadvantages.