Does utilization of victim services programs influence individuals’ fear of crime? Findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey

Abstract

Abstract Although there is a robust body of literature addressing fear of crime, leading scholars point to the need to further examine the link between criminal victimization and fear. In the current study, we aimed to examine how certain actions after victimization, primarily use of Victim Services Programs (VSPs), impact components of individuals' general, situational fear. Updating early work by Davis, using 2016–2019 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), we found that victims who utilized VSPs demonstrate increased odds of components of fear than those who did not use VSPs. Other relevant findings are also discussed.