FEAR OF VICTIMIZATION IN MEXICO

The aim of this study was to explore the influence on Mexican citizens of several variables that have been reported as being important in th e literature on fear of victimization. Sociodemographic variables such as gender, age group and socioeconomic level, together with perceived risk of victimization, perceived seriousness in the face of different acts, experienced victimizations and perception of control of violenc e and crime are included among these variables. One hundred and eighty -one people were interviewed in a cross-sectional field study. Multipl e regression analyses were carried out in three fear of victimization dimensions: personal, property and general situations. On the whole, t he findings confirm the influence of the aforesaid variables. Being a woman, feeling at risk of being the object of violent attacks and the seriousness with which moderately violent acts are perceived were some of the major variables considered to predict fear of victimization.