Fear of Crime Constraint Gender-Specific Mobility Patterns

In this study, we conduct a detailed empirical analysis of the relationship between personal feelings of insecurity, fear of crime, and the way individuals move and travel in their daily lives, with a particular focus on differences between genders. Our methodology combines subjective data gathered from individuals' reported perceptions of insecurity with objective data derived from digital mobile phone tracking, providing a comprehensive view of how these fears affect people's daily routines and travel patterns. The results of our research highlight that perceived insecurity significantly limits the mobility of individuals from both genders. However, this effect is more acute in women, indicating notable gender-based differences in the impact of perceived insecurity on day-to-day movements. The findings, revealing higher levels of insecurity and fear of crime among women, necessitate urgent policy action. Public policy must prioritize making public spaces, such as bus stops, squares, parks, sports courts, and streets, safer and more welcoming for women. This approach is essential for creating an urban environment that is inclusive, secure, and conducive to the well-being of all its inhabitants.