Fear of crime is more common than victimization and is important because it can lead to stress and behavioral precautions that impinge on quality of life. This article discusses definitions of fear as an emotional reaction (not a cognitive one) and enumerates how scholars have worked to better their fear measurements over time. The article also discusses the personal characteristics that predict fear and describes the theoretical ideas developed to explain it, including vulnerability (especially for women and the elderly), neighborhood factors (subcultural diversity, disorder, and community concern), and indirect victimization. Finally, we briefly discuss current and emerging trends in research.

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