Fear of Crime among Individuals with Physical Limitations

Multivariate logistic regression models are estimated using survey data to test the relationship between health status and fear of crime. More specifically, this article examines the relationship between fear of crime and perception of health, versus an actual measure of health (i.e., having a physical disability or limitation). Along with sex and age, health status is considered a prominent indicator of personal vulnerability to crime. Nevertheless, support for health status as an indicator of fear of crime is contradictory, because it is the perception of health that has been measured and not actual illness or disability. Although much is known about the prevalence of fear of crime among populations who perceive themselves to be at a greater physical disadvantage, very little is known about the perceptions of individuals with physical disabilities, those who suffer from actual measurable physical limitations (such as the loss of one or more limbs or senses), as opposed to those who perceive themselves to be limited in the ability to protect themselves. Results indicate that impairment of ability has implications for fear of crime beyond the assessment of one's general health.