1.
www.northantspcc.org.uk
Social Isolation
Iain Britton, Chief Executive
June 2014

2.
www.northantspcc.org.uk
Social isolation of victims
“Without intervention, victims can
become chronically dysfunctional –
afraid to venture out at night, alienated
from neighbors and friends,
distrustful... Their withdrawal from life
hurts their families and weakens the
fabric of the community”
US Department of Justice, 1998

3.
www.northantspcc.org.uk
United Nations Crime Victim Survey
Not victimised Victimised
once
Repeat
victimisation
Trust the police
to do a good
job?
56.0% 41.9% 34.4%
Avoid
dangerous
places/going
out after dark
36.3% 47.7% 55.3%
Mostly think
neighbourhood
residents help
each other
41.6% 34.3% 29.8%

4.
www.northantspcc.org.uk
Other factors associated with
victimisation
 Health problems
 Negative self-image; negative feelings; shame; guilt;
worthlessness; anxiety; depression
 Fear of judgement
 Lack of trust
 Relationship problems
 Alcohol abuse

5.
www.northantspcc.org.uk
Wider associations...
 Being victimised is associated with increased social
isolation (often beyond the individual victim)
 Fear of crime increases social isolation
 Fear of crime reduces mobility/use of space
 Being socially isolated increases risk of victimisation
 Being more involved (in social/community activities)
reduces fear of crime
 Those involved in community anti-crime activities felt
more in control, less socially isolated and less fearful
of crime

6.
www.northantspcc.org.uk
What is good from a community
safety perspective?
 Active community action/problem-solving (against
crime, or for wider community benefits)
 Intergenerational contact/ understanding/
appreciation (and likewise around diversity etc.)
 Activism/campaigning (on behalf of victims, etc.)
 Fear reduction?
 Victim assistance/support
 Anything that reduces social isolation is good for
crime reduction...