Demographic Characteristics and Protective Measures: How Fear of Sexual Assault Serves as a Mediator

• In Event: Fear of Crime in a College Setting

Abstract

Research on fear of crime in college campus settings has increased over time. Research in this area has examined the direct relationships between demographic factors, fear of crime, and protective measures. However, the indirect relationship between demographic characteristics and protective measures among college populations remains unclear. Another gap in existing fear of crime literature related to college campuses has been whether or not specific types of fear of crime, such as fear of rape/sexual assault, influence the use of protective measures. This study explores both the direct and indirect relationships between demographic factors, fear of rape/sexual assault, and protective measures. Specifically, we examine the how demographic factors influence both fear of rape/sexual assault as well as use of protective measures among residents of college housing. Further, we explore the indirect relationship between demographic factors and protective measures, where fear of rape/sexual assault serves as a mediator. Our study uses survey data from a stratified random sample of 569 students living on-campus, in a Midwestern University. Multivariate analyses are used to examine these relationships.

Authors

• Charern Lee, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Monica Wingler, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Julie Hibdon, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale