Citation

Johnson-Dalzine P, Dalzine L, Martin-Stanley C. J. Negro Educ. 1996; 65(4): 462-469.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Howard University School of Education)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study assesses an intervention model for reducing fear of criminal violence among the African American elderly. Seniors aged 55 and older $(N = 31)$ participated in four crime prevention workshops. Post-test analyses determined the extent to which fear of crime was correlated with perceived personal safety, avoidance behaviors, and home protection behaviors. Significantly, 83% of the post-test group, compared to 68% at pretesting, indicated feeling safer in their neighborhoods at night. Significant post-test correlations were noted regarding the following avoidance behaviors and fear of crime: going out with another person, planning one's route to avoid danger, taking something along for protection, and telephoning a friend upon returning home. Notably, 45% reported owning a gun for home protection compared to 29% before the intervention.