Safety in Public Spaces
The perceived level of safety in public spaces varies depending on the street skeleton. Soraganvi argues that poorly designed urban public spaces are particularly dissuasive to women. Empty lots, no public toilets, and poor signage can all contribute to the perceived level of safety. Women are more likely to feel unsafe in a space where there is no safety precaution. For example, if you are a woman, you may be more fearful of being attacked by a man.
Perspective-refuge theory
Despite the varying results, perspectives on refuge and safety in public spaces remain an important topic of debate. The theory suggests that our sense of safety in public spaces can be influenced by various aspects of the environment, including the perceived complexity of the space, the degree of illumination, and the overall spatial arrangement. Moreover, it suggests that a balance between refuge and prospect is more likely to lead to greater levels of safety than either of them alone.
Effects of urban interventions on perceptions of safety
Researchers have studied the effects of various types of urban interventions on perceptions of safety in places where people congregate, such as parks, plazas, and sidewalks. Their results suggest that crime is less likely to occur when people feel safe in public places, but they also show that people don’t feel as safe when they’re outside at night. For this reason, it may be necessary to conduct more research into the role of lighting in reducing crime.
Fear of crime vs actual possibility of being a victim of crime
Recent studies have shown that the proportion of residents who fear crime is higher in large cities than smaller communities. These fears are often more widespread in urban neighborhoods, especially in areas of higher socioeconomic disadvantage and diverse population. Also, fear of crime in large cities is correlated positively with the size of the city. In fact, residents of large cities often report higher levels of fear than those in smaller cities.
Right to public space
Our right to safety in public places is often subject to the whims of powerful elites. Whether elected officials or civic associations, they are prone to discriminatory practices, and their decisions often affect our right to safety. If we are using a public place without permission, we risk being discriminated against. The DC curfew is a prime example of this. We must recognize the right to safety in public spaces as fundamental, but we must also ensure that our society protects this right.
Effectiveness of video surveillance
While there is some evidence that using video surveillance to prevent crime can help, the effectiveness of such measures is in dispute. One study from the University of North Carolina suggests that only 13% of burglars would go through with their plans when they spotted surveillance cameras. Even if the presence of video surveillance equipment is enough to deter many, the mere presence of signs indicating that cameras are present might discourage some people. Here are some reasons why video surveillance might be worth the cost.
