CRIMINOPHOBIA IN CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITIES: THE DYNAMICS OF CRIME FEAR IN URBAN AND RURAL SPACES
CRIMINOPHOBIA IN CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITIES: THE DYNAMICS OF CRIME FEAR IN URBAN AND RURAL SPACES

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the phenomenon of criminophobia, contrasting perceptions of safety between rural and urban environments, with a focus on the impact of violent crime based on gender. In rural areas, criminophobia manifests as a constant state of anxiety and alertness, even in the absence of direct victimization, negatively affecting quality of life and social relationships. In urban settings, anxiety about crime is heightened by frequent exposure to violent news through media, leading individuals to adopt self-protective measures and avoid certain spaces deemed unsafe. Fear of victimization disproportionately affects women, restricting their mobility and participation in community life. The article emphasizes the need to integrate criminophobia into public security policies and recommends developing targeted prevention programs and support for victims of gender-based violent crime, adapted to the specificities of each community, to mitigate the long-term impact of anxiety and improve citizens’ sense of security.

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