Fear Of Victimization Research Articles

The Right to Freedom of Association and the Protection of Employees against Victimisation in the Workplace

This article deals with employees' right to freedom of association and their protection against victimisation when exercising this right in the workplace. First it explains the concepts of "freedom of association" and "victimisation". It then considers the protection of employees against victimisation for exercising the right to freedom of association internationally and domestically, however, only in the employment context. It considers the protection of the right to freedom of association in South Africa in terms of the Constitution and its regulation under various sections of the LRA. It also looks at limitations on the right to freedom of association and the remedies available to employees who experience victimisation because of exercising this right. It further considers the regulation of the right to freedom of association in the UK. It argues that although this right is well protected internationally and domestically, employees still experience victimisation as a result of exercising it. It further argues that the protection of this right and its exercise by employees is necessary to bring a balance to an uneven relationship between employers and employees in the workplace. It concludes that trade unions together with employers have a responsibility to ensure that employees exercise their constitutional right to freedom of association with no fear of victimisation.

The effect of social media environmental information exposure on the intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior.

With the threat of global warming, countries worldwide have enhanced their environmental campaigns on social media to increase users' willingness to take pro-environmental actions. In this study, we examined the direct and indirect effects of exposure to environmental information on Chinese young adults' (18-25 years old) intention to participate in environmental protection actions (e.g., recycling, using public transportation, involvement in an environmental group, and participation in eco-friendly events). Data were collected from a sample of 291 Chinese young adults using a web-based survey and a thoroughly designed questionnaire. The accumulated data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Hierarchical regression and mediation analysis were performed for testing hypotheses. The results indicated that exposure to environmental information on Chinese social media platforms (WeChat and Xiaohongshu) positively affected individuals' intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior, perceived pro-environmental behavior control, pro-environmental attitude, and fear of victimization. The indirect effect demonstrated that pro-environmental behavior control and attitude mediated the relationship between exposure to environmental information on both WeChat and Xiaohongshu and the intention to participate in pro-environmental behavior. Extending the existing literature, this study provides empirical evidence on the influence of environmental information exposure on the intention to participate in environmental protection among Chinese adults. In addition, it provides valuable insights into the mediating mechanisms involving cognitive, psychological, and emotional factors in this relationship. Policy makers should implement effective pro-environmental promotions on social media to inspire individuals to engage in environmentally friendly actions. In addition, social media managers should strictly authenticate and remove misleading environmental content.

How fraud impacts individuals’ wellbeing – academic insights and gaps

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the impact of fraud on individuals’ wellbeing by drawing on insights from the academic literature. It also highlights literature gaps and suggests new avenues for future research.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a comprehensive literature review to gain insights into the impact of fraud on individuals’ wellbeing and identify literature gaps. The review is not limited to a particular date or a specific discipline.FindingsThe results reveal a general consensus in the literature that fraud severely and negatively impacts individuals’ wellbeing. Fraud’s impact on victims goes beyond financial hardship. It could result in stress, anger, upset, worries, fear of future victimisation, shame, loss of self-esteem, health deterioration, loss of confidence in financial matters, suicide ideation, unemployment, homelessness, less happiness and life satisfaction and broken relationships. However, research on how fraud impacts individuals’ wellbeing is scarce and has yet to receive substantial attention.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first comprehensive literature review compiling evidence on the impact of fraud on individuals’ wellbeing.

State-Terror and Tolerance of Deviance: A Cross-National Analysis Using World Values Survey Data

This study intends to extend the work of ecological predictors of tolerance of deviance to state terror. Utilizing a multilevel model and a cross-national survey of 125,129 respondents from 72 countries, this study finds that state terror and a worse perception of human rights correlates with a lower tolerance of deviance in line with Rational Choice Deterrence Theory (RCDC). The effect of state terror on tolerance of deviance is moderated by perception of human rights with those perceiving a worse respect for human rights in milieus of higher state terror are less open to deviance in line with RCDC. Further support for RCDC comes from those living in over policed neighborhoods being less open to deviance when they perceive a worse respect for human right. However, lower confidence in security services and greater interference by the same predicts greater tolerance of deviance. Support for Weberian legitimacy also comes from higher country level corruption, more terrorism incidents in a country, greater fear of crime and crime victimization of respondent or immediate family predicting greater justifiability of deviance.

LGBTQIA+ victimization: A theoretical discourse

AbstractThis paper draws on social construction and broken window theories as theoretical frameworks to explain how LGBTQIA+ are victimized due to discrimination and nonacceptance in their communities. Homosexual groups face a high risk of violence, discrimination, and prejudice because of their sexual orientation. They are stigmatized for their perceived sexual and/or gender “deviance” and rejected by the “straight” members of society, leading to discrimination and violation. This discrimination often leads to homophobia, which can result in violent attacks such as “corrective rape,” common assault, assault causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), and other crimes. Many people view homosexuality as a sickness, a sin, and even antihuman. The victimization of LGBTQIA+ is motivated by hate and intolerance toward their sexuality, leading to trauma, depression, isolation, and fear. This victimization has a significant impact on their lives, and many still live in fear, feeling unprotected. Consequently, many remain “in the closet” due to fear of victimization.

재한중국인의 범죄 안전의식이 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

In line with the recent global trend of globalization, active exchanges in the politics, economy, and culture of each country are taking place. In Korea, the number of foreigners coming for purposes such as studying abroad, employment, and business investment is increasing. Among them, individuals with Chinese nationality account for the highest proportion of all foreigners residing in Korea. Foreigners living in Korea, including those of Chinese origin, are adapting to a new environment, undergoing life and social changes such as adjustments to living conditions, food, human relationships, and language. Most importantly, Chinese individuals in Korea are more susceptible to becoming victims of crime due to characteristics unfamiliar to Korean society, such as difficulties in reporting damages and weak self-defense capabilities. These factors lower their quality of life and give rise to various problems. Hence, this study aims to assist Chinese individuals in Korea in improving their safety and quality of life. It seeks to achieve this by identifying the impact of crime safety awareness on their quality of life, and by establishing a theoretical basis for interventions and support for the Chinese community in Korea.
 Regarding the research methodology, a survey was conducted from April 26 to May 18, 2023, with all 101 responses used for analysis. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, and hierarchical regression analysis were performed as analytical methods.
 The research analysis revealed several key findings. First and foremost, the demographic characteristics influencing the quality of life of Chinese individuals in Korea are marital status and educational background. Marital status is particularly significant when individuals are married, and the final education level being graduate school graduation or higher is also influential. Furthermore, based on the results of hierarchical regression analysis, the demographic factors affecting quality of life are marriage and middle school graduation. Crime safety awareness, which has an impact on quality of life, is correlated with an awareness of crime and engagement in crime prevention activities. Awareness of crime has a positive effect (+), indicating that an increase in awareness leads to an improvement in quality of life. Conversely, involvement in crime prevention activities has a negative effect (-), indicating that quality of life decreases with an increase in crime prevention activities.
 Drawing from these research results, the study concludes and suggests the need for community-level crime-fighting and prevention programs to improve the quality of life for Chinese individuals in Korea. Additionally, the study recommends the development and support of various psychological, counseling, and educational programs to alleviate the fear of crime victimization and enhance the overall well-being of the Chinese community in Korea. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting further research on crime safety awareness among Chinese individuals in Korea, particularly focusing on the fear of crime victimization, through subsequent studies. It underscores that intervention and support for the adaptation of Chinese individuals in Korea are critical aspects to consider.

Fear, Risk, and Local Control: Testing the Generality of Ferraro’s Risk Interpretation Framework

This study tests whether fear of victimization manifests in the same way across macro level contexts by drawing on Ferraro’s risk interpretation framework. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to test the invariance of the risk interpretation framework across a sample of weighted survey data drawn from three Michigan cities. Results indicated that the framework operated in a theoretically invariant manner across city samples by way of measurement and structural invariance. This demonstrates the framework’s generality by highlighting its ability to consistently explain fear of victimization at a macro level across three city samples. Accordingly, investing in risk communication strategies targeted at improving perceptions at a macro level may be transferable and useful in moderating fear of victimization.

Examining the immediate and enduring psychological impact of street harassment on women’s mental health

Purpose Many women report experiences of street harassment during their lifetime. Previous quantitative survey research has shown the variety of ways in which this type of harassment can impact upon a victim’s life, including restricting their freedom of movement and fear of further victimisation. The purpose of this study is understand the immediate and enduring psychological impact of street harassment on female victim-survivors. Design/methodology/approach The present study aims to explore, qualitatively, women’s experiences of street harassment through thematic analysis of on 35 online blog posts. Data were collected from the “Stop Street Harassment” website, where women are invited to share their experiences anonymously. Findings Three main themes were generated from the data. First was the age at which women began to experience street harassment, with recurring early incidents during formative childhood years. Second was the impact that experiences had on their mental health and psychological well-being with feelings of shame, fear, self-loathing, as well as decreased self-esteem and confidence experienced in the immediate aftermath – though the longer-term negative emotions reported were enduring feelings of anger alongside a constant state of anxiety from feelings of vulnerability to further victimisation. The final theme was the modification of behaviour after experiencing street harassment where women choose to avoid walking alone on the streets or consciously changed their clothing choices, to avoid being harassed. Originality/value This study offers a further qualitative insight into the real-life experience and psychological consequences of street harassment upon survivors’ mental health.

Reporting to the Police Among People with Mental Illnesses Who Were Victims of Violence

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore reporting to the police in people with mental illnesses who were victims of violence. Fifty-eight persons with mental illnesses who had experienced physical, sexual, or psychological violence in the past three years answered quantitative questionnaires. After victimization, 33 (56.9%) participants had police contact, with 22 of them having initiated this contact. Participants who were younger (p = .027), had a substance use disorder (25.8% vs. 50.0%), used drugs or alcohol during victimization (25.0% vs. 51.7%), or experienced shame or guilt (27.5% vs. 62.5%) after victimization were less likely to report to the police. The most frequently named reasons not to report were fear of secondary victimization by the police and the belief that the police could not do anything or that the perpetrator would not be punished adequately.

Workplace Violence Against Nurses: Challenges and Solutions for Europe.

We report the results of a mapping exercise by the European Federation of Nurses (EFN) on challenges and solutions related to violence against nurses. This is an issue of growing international concern, with the problem accentuated during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a cross-sectional observational design, an online questionnaire was distributed among 35 national nurses' associations across Europe in March 2021. Face validity was achieved through an expert panel. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, including counts, percentages, and tabulation. Qualitative data analysis followed thematic synthesis techniques. Three main findings are noted. First, violent incidents against nurses are under-reported due to fear of victimization, employer discouragement, and the perception that reporting will not make any difference. Second, perpetrators of violent acts extend beyond patients and families to include health professionals of different ranks. Third, violent incidences have a significant adverse effect on nurses' health and retention, leading to nurses reducing their working hours or opting for part-time work. Violence against nurses is an expression of a broader problem that is rooted in the failure to recognize and manage violence at the level of the healthcare organization, and the absence of appropriate legislation to maintain minimum standards of safe working environments. This is partly the result of inadequate European Union-wide legislation targeting workplace violence in the health professions. Nurses need more institutional support through dedicated funding aimed at targeted interventions, more legislative commitment to ratify policies against discrimination, and an opportunity to voice the needs to the appropriate policymakers with the ability to bring significant change to existing conditions. Given the severity of the situation, inaction could lead to irreplaceable damage to the nursing workforce, compounding pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, this situation can further drive existing nurses out of the profession, weakening health systems worldwide.

Examining UK and US police officers' perceptions of community sentiment, performance, and fear of on-duty victimization

Examining UK and US police officers' perceptions of community sentiment, performance, and fear of on-duty victimization

Fear of victimization among illicit immigrants in South Africa

The widespread fear of crime and its detrimental consequences have propelled various research studies on the correlates of fear of crime. An impressive body of knowledge has accumulated, which informs both scholars and policymakers of the correlates of fear of crime. However, very little is known about the fear of crime among immigrant populations. Fear of crime associated with immigrants remains a global phenomenon, which drives political rhetoric, media discourse, policymaking, criminal justice, and immigration control and enforcement. The perceived association between immigrants and criminality is a phenomenon with deep historical roots that transcends any particular culture. It is linked to ethnocentrism and othering, wherein dominant groups react to their exposure to alien cultural practices by criminalizing those practices and dehumanizing the immigrants who practice them. The study aims to explore the level of fear of crime among illicit immigrants. Literature analysis was adopted as a methodology to explore the factors impacting the level of fear and the places where illicit immigrants are likely to be victimised are further discussed. The study contributes significantly to the finding that higher crime levels in countries increase the fear of crime; however, they do not affect feelings of unsafety. Social protection expenditure proves to be an important determinant of both fears of crime and feelings of unsafety. Moreover, distrust in the police, generalized social distrust, and perceived ethnic threat induce fear of crime as well as feelings of unsafety. When considered in the context of social harm, immigrants’ relationship to crime and criminality becomes more complex. The study recommends that protective factors, such as neighborhood informal social control, social networks, cultural norms, and expectations about migration and life overall, may contribute to the lower rates of crime and violence among illicit immigrant groups.

Correlates of Crime Prevention and Perception of Safety Using the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior (KAB) Model

As empirical studies have progressed, various metrics and study areas have been incorporated into safety perception and worry about victimization. In this study, the Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior Model was applied in evaluating the cognitive and emotional domains of 401 residents of Zamboanga del Sur, Phillipines focusing on their knowledge of crime prevention, safety perception, and fears of victimization. Using the model, the knowledge of crime prevention, safety perception, and fear of victimization was considered an exploratory variable based on the common-sense assumption that feelings and emotions govern how people perceive certain things. The result shows that implemented crime prevention strategies in the province were observable, and community awareness is considerable. Regarding safety and security, the respondents rated the province as safe for everyone and moderately safe when personal belongings are left unattended. The threats to physical safety and security against persons and property are less likely to occur. Finally, the data show a statistically significant weak positive correlation between crime prevention and the perception of safety and security. The associations of safety and security and general satisfaction with personal safety among the representative samples show a significant positive weak correlation. Knowledge of crime prevention strategy and general satisfaction with personal safety shows a weak, statistically significant positive correlation. Thus, awareness of crime prevention significantly influences the safety perception, level of worry, and satisfaction with personal safety.

Adolescent attitudes toward police and crime reporting intentions

ABSTRACT Positive interactions with police among youth can help establish long-lasting positive attitudes toward police (ATP). A particularly important aspect of the relationship between juveniles and the police is their willingness to report crime to law enforcement. Unfortunately, many adolescent victimizations go unreported. We used a sample of 5th and 6th grade students (N = 1,994) in two separate cohorts from two independent data collection intervals of a large-scale study in a Midwestern county to examine how early adolescent ATP, and other factors, such as demographic characteristics, delinquency involvement, prior victimization, fear of victimization, and the perceived risk of victimization, influences intentions to report crime to the police. Results indicated that students in both cohorts who had more positive ATP and a greater perceived risk of victimization reported greater intentions to report crimes to the police. Additionally, White students reported greater willingness to report to the police than Black students. Other results varied between the two cohorts. Implications for the association between ATP and willingness to report to the police are discussed.

Factors Influencing the Pursuit of Legal Rights by Burn Victims of Domestic Violence

Background: The decision to report domestic violence incidents, including burns, can be complex and influenced by various factors such as lack of confidence in police, delay in delivery of the just and social factors like that of fear, shame, and a belief that the family might be disturbed. Understandingthis trend is crucial in developing effective strategies to support and protect survivors. In matters of domestic violence of burns the victims fear to register the case in police station or any health facility. Aim: To understand the factors responsible for the failure of registering their burn incident as medicolegal issue. Methodology: Study was carried out among the victims of burns of domestic violence in the catchment area of May Hospital Lahore.The population of study comprises of urban and rural populations. The study sample comprised of 450 unfortunate victims of domestic burns for one whole year of 2018 from January to December brought in the Medicolegal Clinic of the King Edward Medical University Lahore. The data was collected on a predesigned questionnaire after due approval from Ethical Review Committee and Institutional Review Board. Results: The study results revealed that literacy level play a pivotal role in registering the incident of domestic violence a matter of legal concern being significant with a p value as 0.029. The social factors like that of confidence in the local police, the delay of the justice system and physical or emotional disturbance of the family if the fight for a legal battle in criminal domestic burn incident was found grossly significant with p value as 0.000 being very valid in growing economies. Conclusion: The study was found conclusive that literacy level and social factors like that of confidence in local law enforcement agencies, delay in delivery of the justice and family issues are the most vital social factors hindering to fight a legal battle in domestic burn incidents. Keywords: Burns, Domestic Violence, Legal Rights, Law Enforcement, Medicolegal Burns, Justice System

Intimate partner violence complaints during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain: a cross-sectional and a case-control study.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, a large proportion of the women exposed to intimate partner violence had to live with their abusers full-time. This study analyzes the new official complaints that were filed during the lockdown in Spain. Data from the Comprehensive Monitoring System for Cases of Gender Violence from the Ministry of the Interior, Spain. Using logistic regression models, the complaints registered during the lockdown were compared to those registered in the previous year. Subsequently, we analysed association between the seriousness of the incident reported and the period in which the complaint was filed. Official complaints decreased by 19% during the lockdown. The probability of complaints during lockdown mainly increased when victims had a relationship with the abusers [odds ratio (OR) = 1.33] and when they lacked social support (OR = 1.22). The probability that the complaints were associated with previous jealousy (OR = 0.87), previous harassment behaviours (OR = 0.88) or the victim's fear for minors' safety (OR = 0.87) decreased. In addition, during lockdown increased the probability that the complaints filed were due to incidents of severe physical violence (OR = 1.17); severe psychological violence against women with minors in their charge (OR = 1.22); and severe violence due to threats (OR = 1.53) when the woman had previously suffered harassment. The decrease in new complaints during the studied period and the increase in their severity evidence difficulties in seeking help due to the lockdown. In situations of confinement, it is necessary to design measures that protect women with a lack of social support, and at those who live with the aggressor.

Hate Crime during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of an Ethnically Diverse University Student Population

The COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a rise in reports of hate crime against East and Southeast Asian minorities. Political rhetoric blaming China for causing the pandemic was tantamount to a ‘permission to hate’, making COVID-19 a catalyst of hate crime against Chinese people which also fuelled overt prejudice against other ethnic minorities. Researching experiences of hate offences in an ethnically diverse university student population in the United Kingdom during COVID-19, this qualitative study found that actual reported cases potentially underestimate the problem of hate crime. Analysing data from semi-structured interviews, we argue that a focus on reported cases alone risks obscuring the full extent of pandemic-related harassment and the insidious nature of hate crimes more generally. Minority ethnic interview participants lived with varying degrees of fear of victimisation, even if they were not personally subjected to any actual incidents during the pandemic. Accounts of pre-pandemic experiences, along with vicarious experiences involving victims with similar characteristics as interview participants, confirm the status of hate crime as a ‘message crime’. Third-party bystander accounts involving the victimisation of others whose identity research participants did not share afford additional insights into the nature and extent of pandemic-related hate.

Crime risk and housing values: Evidence from the gun offender registry

This paper estimates the effects of crime risk on housing values. To estimate the causal effects, we rely on the introduction of the gun offender registry in Baltimore City, Maryland, that discloses the residences of ex-gun offenders to the public. Specifically, we exploit the changes in perceived crime risk after ex-gun offenders move into the neighborhoods. Our most conservative estimates indicate that houses within 0.1 miles from ex-gun offenders’ residences experience an 8.0% decline in value ($12,632) after these ex-gun offenders move in. Additional results suggest that homeowners are responding out of fear of victimization as we do not observe significant increases in crimes following the relocation of ex-gun offenders into the neighborhoods.

Fear of Victimization among LGBQ, Non-Binary, and Transgender College and University Students in the United States

ABSTRACT This study examines fear of victimization (FOV) among lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer (LGBQ), and (T)ransgender college and university students across the US. We expand the FOV literature by examining the relationship between fear and both gender and sexual identities across racial and ethnic lines among college and university students in the US. We find that being a transgender or non-binary (NB) student is significantly associated with FOV, as well as being an LGBQ student. In addition, Black trans/NB students and Black LGBQ non-trans students are both roughly 11 times more likely than their counterparts to report FOV. Being trans/NB matters; it is an independent identity from one’s sexuality, and it operates differently across race and ethnicity.

Stakeholders' perspectives on internal accountability within a sub-national immunization program: A qualitative study in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria.

Weak accountability hinders the effectiveness of routine immunization (RI) systems in low- and middle-income countries, yet studies on accountability of immunization programs are scarce. Aim: The study explored stakeholders' perspectives on the functioning of internal accountability within the National Program on Immunization in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria. We used semi-structured in-depth interviews to collect data from RI officials at state government, local government, and health facility levels (n = 35) in Enugu State between June and July 2021. We adopted maximum variation sampling to purposively select individuals with roles in immunization. The interview guide was developed based on an accountability framework with three dimensions-the axes of power, ability, and justice. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software (version 11). The major themes were role clarity, performance standards, supervision, data use, human resources, funding, motivation, sanctions, political influence, and community engagement. Performance targets for immunization coverage and reporting timeline were not always met due to multiple accountability failures. Weaknesses in the formal rules that distribute roles among the immunization workforce comprise a lack of deployment letters, unavailability of job descriptions, and inadequate staff orientation. Local officials have a narrow decision space regarding staff posting, transfer, and discipline. Performance accountability was constrained by staff shortages, uneven staff distribution, absenteeism, infrequent supervision, weak data monitoring system, and underfunding. Despite being motivated by job recognition and accomplishments, low motivation from an insecure working environment and lack of financial incentives undermined the constructive agency of service delivery actors. The sanctions framework exists but is weakly enforced due to fear of victimization. Political commitment to the immunization program was low. Yet, political decision-makers interfered with staff recruitment, distribution, and discipline. Community engagement improved resource availability through paid volunteer health workers and maintenance of facilities. However, health facility committees were poorly resourced, non-functional, and lacked the power to sanction erring health workers. Immunization service delivery actors can be held accountable for program performance when there are sufficient formal instruments that provide roles and responsibilities, needed resources, motivated and supervised staff, an effective sanctions framework, genuine political participation, and strong community engagement.