Crime and Older People
Facts & Myths
Opinion polls show that fear of crime is one of the greatest causes of worry for older people. Concern can be healthy when it leads to reducing the chances of being victimized. On the other hand, living in constant fear takes the enjoyment out of life.
Attention to crime by newspapers and television may lead to the impression that crime is everywhere and that senior citizens are prime victims. Here are some facts about crime:
Generally, older persons are not victimized by crime to a greater extent than the rest of the population, except in crimes such as purse snatching.
Crimes of violence, although feared the most, happen the least.
Most murders and assaults are committed by relatives or acquaintances as the result of a dispute. Very few are committed by strangers.
Despite widespread fear, the crime of rape rarely happens to women over 65. In fact, only about one percent of all known rape victims are women over 50.
The most frequent crimes are property crimes, such as burglary and theft from yards, and are most likely to happen when residents are away.
As an older person, you need not be paralyzed by fear of crime, especially if you take a few simple steps to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. You can even make your neighborhood a safer place to live. It's a crime if you're not prepared.