Abstract

Although crime in the United States is so widespread that it affects a third of the nation's households (Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin, 1981), this figure still underestimates the true consequences of crime because the social, emotional and economic costs affect even more people than those directly victimized. Observers for more than a decade have recognized that widespread and increasing fear of crime constitutes a major social problem (e.g., Maltz, 1972). Many people suffer from anxiety in anticipation of victimization, and modify their lives to avoid crime in ways that cost them lost social and work opportunities (McIntyre, 1967; Biderman et al., 1967). The self-imposed isolation of people seeking to prevent victimization also costs their communities in terms of participation in volunteer, leisure and other activities.