Factors Affecting the Women's Fear of Crime in Urban Space

Fear of crime in social studies is a new concept and diverse theoretical approaches have emerged to explain it. Researches have shown that women, compared to men, are more likely to experience fear of crime. This study has investigated the factors affecting women's fear of crime in Meshkinshahr.

In terms of its objectives the present study is of an applied research type and in terms of methodology it is considered as a survey study. The statistical population of the study consisted of 5000 16-65-year-old women in Meshkinshahr. The sample size was determined as 373 individuals using Cochran formula and they were selected by multistage cluster sampling method. The required data were collected through a valid and reliable questionnaire (α= .68 - .75 for various dimensions) and they were analyzed using the "SPSS" software and Spearman correlation and multiple regression tests. Findings and

The research showed that women's fear of crime is at a relatively high level and the variables of sense of powerlessness, social exclusion, weak social ties, the ability to defend themselves, deterioration of social security, experience of victimization, moral breakdown of society, social incivility and social trust affect women's fear of crime.