www.northantspcc.org.uk

Social Isolation

Iain Britton, Chief Executive

June 2014

www.northantspcc.org.uk

Social isolation of victims

“Without intervention, victims can

become chronically dysfunctional –

afraid to venture out at night, alienated

from neighbors and friends,

distrustful... Their withdrawal from life

hurts their families and weakens the

fabric of the community” US Department of Justice, 1998

www.northantspcc.org.uk

United Nations Crime Victim Survey

Not victimised Victimised

once

Repeat

victimisation

Trust the police

to do a good

job?

56.0% 41.9% 34.4%

Avoid

dangerous

places/going

out after dark

36.3% 47.7% 55.3%

Mostly think

neighbourhood

residents help

each other

41.6% 34.3% 29.8%

www.northantspcc.org.uk

Other factors associated with victimisation

Health problems

Negative self-image; negative feelings; shame; guilt; worthlessness; anxiety; depression

Fear of judgement

Lack of trust

Relationship problems

Alcohol abuse

www.northantspcc.org.uk

Wider associations...

Being victimised is associated with increased social isolation (often beyond the individual victim)

Fear of crime increases social isolation

Fear of crime reduces mobility/use of space

Being socially isolated increases risk of victimisation

Being more involved (in social/community activities) reduces fear of crime

Those involved in community anti-crime activities felt more in control, less socially isolated and less fearful of crime

www.northantspcc.org.uk

What is good from a community safety perspective?

Active community action/problem-solving (against crime, or for wider community benefits)

Intergenerational contact/ understanding/ appreciation (and likewise around diversity etc.)

Activism/campaigning (on behalf of victims, etc.)

Fear reduction?

Victim assistance/support

Anything that reduces social isolation is good for crime reduction...