Dangerous people, dangerous places: The nature and location of young people's victimisation and fear

Research focusing on the victimisation of young people outside the home has paid insufficient attention to less criminal forms of victimisation such as harassment and their relationship to fear expressed by children. Based on survey data of 2420 children aged 9-16 years from The Children and Young People's Safety Survey, this study focuses on the personal characteristics of offenders and victims, the types of victimisation experienced in specific locations, and the range of fears expressed by the children and young people. The study revealed a significant link between experiences of victimisation and higher levels of fear that appear to be gender-specific and bear a strong relationship to age. The results of the study have important theoretical and practical implications for preventing victimisation and reducing fears and anxieties. Copyright © 2006 The Author(s).