A Gendered Assessment of the "Threat of Victimization": Examining Gender Differences in Fear of Crime, Perceived Risk, Avoidance, and Defensive Behaviors

Authors

• David C. May, Eastern Kentucky University
• Nicole E. Rader, Mississippi State University
• Sarah Goodrum, Centre College

ORCID

May: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8275-6773

MSU Affiliation

College of Arts and Sciences; Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

Creation Date

2026-06-01

Abstract

Rader has called for a change in how researchers study fear of crime, suggesting that fear of crime, perceptions of risk, and experiences with victimization are interrelated dimensions of the larger "threat of victimization" concept. In this study, the authors examine how each independent dimension affects additional theoretical dimensions of the "threat of victimization" and how these relationships vary by gender. Using data from residents of Kentucky, the authors estimate a series of multivariate linear and logistic regression models. The findings presented here suggest that gender differences do exist in the components of the threat of victimization and that many of the relationships in the Rader model are multifaceted, including the relationship between perceived risk, fear of crime, and avoidance and defensive behaviors. Implications of these findings for future research regarding predictors of the threat of victimization are discussed. © 2010 Georgia State University.

Publication Date

11-10-2009

Publication Title

Criminal Justice Review

Publisher

SAGE Publications

First Page

159

Last Page

182

Rights

© 2010 Georgia State University

Recommended Citation

May, D. C., Rader, N. E., & Goodrum, S. (2010). A Gendered Assessment of the ‘“Threat of Victimization”’: Examining Gender Differences in Fear of Crime, Perceived Risk, Avoidance, and Defensive Behaviors. Criminal Justice Review, 35(2), 159–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734016809349166