Hybrid journal * Containing 2 Open Access article(s) in this issue * ISSN (Print) 1757-8043 - ISSN (Online) 2042-8774 Published by Emerald[362 journals]
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Authors:Mishael Al-Raggad, Nasir Albalawee, Ali Al-Mahasneh, Yazan Abu Huson, Ala Albajaly Abstract: This study aims to explore the evolving landscape of financial crimes and forensic accounting, emphasizing the critical role of financial integrity in advancing effective forensic accounting practices. It aims to provide insights into trends, methodologies and professional requirements in this field. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software to examine 722 studies sourced from the Web of Science database. This approach identified key research trends, patterns and themes, offering a comprehensive overview of the domain. The analysis revealed four distinct research trends highlighting the multifaceted nature of forensic accounting and the diverse skills required, including analytical acumen, critical thinking and effective communication. The findings underscore the importance of ethical standards, objectivity and professional conduct in detecting and preventing financial fraud. The insights are highly relevant for forensic accounting professionals, auditors and fraud detection specialists. This study offers strategies to refine fraud detection methods, enhance internal controls and ensure regulatory compliance. Policymakers and regulatory authorities can leverage these findings to develop frameworks that promote transparency, accountability and integrity in financial markets. This study emphasizes the necessity of continuous professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration to combat financial crimes effectively. By fostering an informed and collaborative approach, stakeholders can contribute to building a resilient and trustworthy financial ecosystem capable of detecting, preventing and responding to financial misconduct. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2025-05-19 DOI: 10.1108/SC-11-2024-0069 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Bashir Kurfi Babangida, Aminu Muhammad Haruna, Abdullah Baba Mohammed Abstract: The incredibly high crime rates recorded in Northwest Nigeria are alarming. The region also has exceptionally high rates of common correlates of crime, including illicit drug use, broken families and children who are out of school, which makes it even more crucial to investigate the factors that contribute to the present predicaments. The dearth of research on the socioeconomic root cause of armed banditry is the motivation of the study. The purpose of this study is to explore the socioeconomic factors of armed banditry in Northwest Nigeria. This study is quantitative and cross-sectional and uses primary data by surveying 700 bandits/inmates serving in Katsina and Zamfara state prisons through a multi-step sampling technique. A multinomial logit model was used to analyze the data, using social disorganization theory as a guide. The multinomial logit results indicated that employment status, family disruption, family background, marital status and educational attainment are negatively significantly related to kidnapping, property crime, rape and robbery. At the same time, the father’s employment, family size and drug consumption are positively related to committing kidnapping, property crime and robbery. The chosen participants portray diverse exposures to armed banditry in Nigeria. For this study, the authors do not involve other victims of terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram in the Northeast, militant groups in the South-South and Indigenous People of Biafra in the Southeast, as the scope of the survey was limited to Northwest Nigeria. Future research could use a much larger sample from other regions that reflects the country’s demographic diversity. Also, future researchers can sufficiently compare the results in diverse contextual and social circumstances. This research has explored the socioeconomic factors influencing armed banditry in NWN. The findings of this study will be helpful in policymaking for the appropriate policies to address the socioeconomic issues that have previously been used to justify resorting to violence, institutionalizing family affairs, proscribing banditry, criminalizing child neglect and considering the need for religious institutions and traditional leaders to take a constructive role in community affairs. The outcomes are ground-breaking by empirically investigating, identifying and evaluating the socioeconomic factors that ultimately serve as incentives for armed banditry in the NWN and establishing statistical significance between socioeconomic variables and crimes. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2025-04-29 DOI: 10.1108/SC-08-2024-0052 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Sri Rahayu Amri, Israini Suriati, Andi Sitti Umrah, Septya Suarja Abstract: This study aims to analyze the implementation of law enforcement in cases of child sexual violence, investigate the factors influencing child sexual violence, examine the impact of sexual violence on children’s health and explore the role of child protection models from legal, health and educational perspectives. This study uses a qualitative approach. The qualitative study was conducted in two phases: semistructured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. This study involved 70 randomly selected informants, consisting of 10 police officers, prosecutors, general court judges, officials from the Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Agency, medical personnel, parents, teachers and community leaders. The child protection system for victims of sexual violence faces significant obstacles, as indicated by several factors. There are gaps in the implementation of law enforcement, including inadequate victim assistance, suboptimal coordination among law enforcement agencies and ineffective communication and monitoring. In the health-care sector, limited facilities and inadequate health services hinder optimal protection efforts has a positive effect on child health. This study is limited in its examination of the recovery process that victims go through to return to their previolence condition. Future research should further explore this recovery process to ensure the right to life, survival and development of the child. Stakeholders need to harmonize regulations and improve law enforcement competency through continuous training. There is a need for specific health service protocols for victims, as well as cross-sectoral coordination to address conflicting regulations. The implementation of preventive measures in the educational sector must be accelerated through educator training, and coordination with relevant authorities should be strengthened to enhance preventive efforts. This study contributes to the literature on handling and preventing child sexual violence and presents explicitly a holistic and comprehensive model of protection against such violence. The approach includes prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims, focusing on cross-sectoral collaboration, including education, health, law enforcement and social services, to ensure that victims’ needs are met comprehensively. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2025-04-04 DOI: 10.1108/SC-09-2024-0059 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Jennie Di Rocco, Karl Kronkvist, Zoran Vasiljevic, Anna-Karin Ivert Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine changes in disorder and fear of crime in a disadvantaged neighbourhood following the implementation of a Business Improvement District (BID) organisation, a collaborative initiative designated to improve a defined geographical area. A mixed-method design was used. The quantitative data was collected through an annual community survey with four pre-implementation and five post-implementation waves. Also a comparison area was included. The qualitative data was comprised of interviews with key informants in the community, which were completed before the organisation commenced its work and then again six years later. Survey results revealed a reduction in disorder and fear of crime. This trend, albeit smaller, could be seen in the comparison area as well. Key informants further corroborated the reduction in disorder and fear of crime, attributing many of the neighbourhood changes to the organisation’s work. This study is the first to evaluate whether BIDs can affect perceived disorder and fear of crime, relevant factors affecting crime levels and community well-being. Furthermore, it illustrates the benefits of using a comprehensive study design suitable for accounting for changes in a setting where it is difficult to isolate effects. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2025-03-04 DOI: 10.1108/SC-09-2024-0058 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Muhammad Mujtaba Asad, Summaya Ka Ka, Omaisa Ejaz Asad Abstract: The purpose of this study to explore the teacher’s perception about family aggression and domestic abuse that can cause students psychotic trauma. Also, this article will further highlight the mitigating strategies for teachers to overcome those challenges which they faced while dealing with such female students. In this exploratory study, a qualitative data collection tool semi-structured interviews were used. This research interviews were conducted from public school teachers of Pakistan. For data analysis thematic analysis approach was used to answer the targeted research questions. The findings of the study reveal that the family aggression and domestic abuse have severe negative effect on female students’ mental health which cause them trauma and also negatively impact of their educational progress and overall growth. Also, several challenges have been identified from the findings such as difficulty in identification of such female students, lack of support and counselling skills and social constraints. Similarly, this study also suggests some interventional and mitigating strategies to overcome these challenges faced by teachers such as, awareness sessions for parents and society, teachers training for such skills, including such contents in curriculum etc. The results of the current study are beneficial for the teacher and school administration to handle such female students they are affected due to abuse and domestic violence and improve their mental well-being and growth. This is a unique study because there is very limited research done in the context of Pakistan which addresses this burning social issue, particularly adding the voices of teacher’s about identifying and dealing such female students they are victim of family aggression and domestic abuse. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2025-02-07 DOI: 10.1108/SC-07-2024-0047 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Srisombat Chokprajakchat, Wanaporn Techagaisiyavanit, Dhanakorn Mulaphong, Tongyai Iyavarakul, Attapol Kuanliang Abstract: While many countries have adopted traditional approaches to identify patterns and trends in domestic violence at a national level, a strategy that provides more insightful information is still lacking. In response to this need, the purpose of this study is to propose the construction of a domestic violence severity index (DVSI) as an alternative. This index serves as a strategic instrument for policymakers and law enforcement agencies, enabling them to monitor changes in the overall severity of domestic violence incidents over time, beyond relying solely on the volume of reported incidents. Reported domestic violence incidents are collected over the past five years (2019–2023) from the entire country. Unlike sentence-based approaches such as the Cambridge Crime Harm Index and the Canadian Crime Severity Index, the DVSI applies a crime severity index based on expert judgment to assess the seriousness of domestic violence categories. Twenty-three experts with extensive experience in domestic violence issues across various governmental and nongovernmental organizations participated in providing assessments. To ensure consistency in assigning weight values to the domestic violence categories, the average scores provided by experts were calculated using arithmetic mean, median, mode and geometric mean. Domestic violence maps reflecting trends between 2019 and 2023 across 77 provinces in Thailand have been generated based on the index data. The maps depict significant serial and spatial correlation levels from 2019 to 2023. These maps carry significant implications for the country’s domestic violence prevention strategy by offering detailed insights into the geographical locations and periods requiring focused attention and resource allocation from the government. This tool can also aid the public in gaining a better understanding of the prevalence of domestic violence in society, facilitating increased coordination and collaboration among stakeholders. Many countries quantify domestic violence using simple methods, such as calculating percentages or measuring incidents per 100,000 population. However, a specific DVSI has not yet been developed to analyze and understand domestic violence trends geographically, which could serve as an additional measure to protect victims. In addition, the study uses an expert judgment approach, a rare method in constructing a crime severity index, especially in the context of domestic violence. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2025-01-07 DOI: 10.1108/SC-06-2024-0033 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2025)
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Authors:Oluwole Olumide Durodolu, Bolaji David Oladokun Abstract: This study aims to examine the role of libraries in stimulating access to information concerning environmental justice issues. This study also provides valuable insights into libraries’ contributions to addressing environmental justice concerns and informs strategies for maximizing their impact in this critical area. In conducting this study the role of academic librarians at the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, using a descriptive design and qualitative research method. The population for this study consists of academic librarians who were chosen due to their expertise in information access and their potential impact on environmental justice initiatives within the academic community. Data were collected through focus group discussions with the participating academic librarians. The findings of this study underscore the critical role of addressing information disparities within the context of environmental justice, emphasizing the transformative potential of information access in empowering communities. The analysis reveals a consensus among respondents regarding the multifaceted role of librarians in addressing environmental justice. Librarians are perceived not only as information custodians but also as active contributors to community engagement, awareness and social change. This study identifies both challenges and opportunities for libraries to enhance awareness of environmental justice issues among their patrons. While existing resources related to environmental justice in the library’s collection are generally viewed positively, there is consensus among participants that there is room for improvement. Finally, this study acknowledges gaps in the current collection regarding information on environmental justice. It underscores the need for up-to-date multimedia resources focusing on local issues and representing diverse perspectives. Collaboration with scholars from diverse fields such as environmental science, sociology and public policy could enrich the understanding of the complex intersections between information access, environmental justice and librarianship. Librarians have a responsibility to promote information access and environmental justice by curating relevant resources, promoting information literacy, engaging with communities, advocating for change, addressing digital access and equity issues, fostering cultural competence and collaborating with other stakeholders. This study presents a compelling and forward-thinking perspective that underscores the critical role of librarians in addressing environmental challenges and fostering social equity. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2024-12-24 DOI: 10.1108/SC-03-2024-0007 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Melissa Pepper, Karen Bullock Abstract: Neighbourhood Watch is a voluntary movement which brings people together with the aim of creating safer, stronger and more active communities. This paper aims to explore the contemporary position of Neighbourhood Watch in the UK through three key themes: the focus of Neighbourhood Watch schemes and how this extends beyond crime; Neighbourhood Watch membership and efforts to expand this beyond traditional residential boundaries; and the operation of Neighbourhood Watch, with a particular focus on technology-enabled methods. The paper draws on data generated through interviews with key stakeholders working in the field of Neighbourhood Watch (n = 7) and interviews (n = 7) and two focus groups with Watch volunteers (n = 5) in the United Kingdom (UK). Findings highlight aspects of Neighbourhood Watch that have remained the same – most notably the initial “roots” of schemes which have always looked beyond crime to tackle issues of health and well-being. In addition, issues of scale and diversity continue to present challenges within membership. However, there have also been changes, in particular the use of technology and moves to a model which offers more flexibility in terms of Neighbourhood Watch membership. Findings position contemporary Neighbourhood Watch as a responsive and adaptable model; however, they also highlight how this must operate alongside traditional face-to-face, in-person methods to achieve meaningful community engagement. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2024-12-24 DOI: 10.1108/SC-07-2024-0041 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Dona Budi Kharisma Abstract: This study aims to analyze the impact of the virality of legal cases on social media on law enforcement. This research also aims to find a balance between virality and the value of justice in society so that it can have a positive impact on law enforcement. The approach used in this research is a case approach. The case approach is used by analyzing the law enforcement process carried out by the police to the judge’s considerations (ratio dedicendi) in deciding legal cases that went viral on social media. The cases that became the research object were determined through the purposive sampling method. The no viral no justice phenomenon is a form of community sympathy and concern in the digital space for injustice in the law enforcement process. As one of the countries with the largest number of social media users in the world, Indonesia has the potential for digital space to form large collective movements and contribute to upholding justice in a practical way. On the positive side, no viral no justice has succeeded in speeding up the law enforcement process and creating a transparent law enforcement process. From the negative side, no viral no justice does not guarantee and does not provide legal certainty and justice in the legal process (due process of law) because the law is influenced by strong public pressure. This research examines several legal cases that attracted public attention and went viral through the digital space in Indonesia. The results of this research are useful for finding a balance between the principle of virality and the value of justice in society so that the no viral no justice phenomenon has a positive impact on law enforcement. For the community, the results and recommendations in this study can create and strengthen civic engagement in the law enforcement process through digital space. For law enforcers, especially police, prosecutors and judges, it is hoped that the results of this study will improve the quality of fair, transparent, fast and impartial law enforcement. This research identifies and analyzes several legal cases that have gone viral so that the influence of the virality of legal cases and public pressure on law enforcement can be found. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2024-12-19 DOI: 10.1108/SC-07-2024-0037 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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Authors:Stewart Selase Hevi, Clemence Dupey Agbenorxevi, Ebenezer Malcalm, Theresa Obuobisa-Darko Abstract: This paper aims to investigate the moderated-mediation roles of career crafting as well as leader-member exchange (LMX) between career decision self-efficacy and psychological empowerment among ex-offenders in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting of 412 ex-offenders at various religious rehabilitation units in Ghana. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to investigate the hypothesized paths. The findings show that LMX moderates the mediated link between career crafting and psychological empowerment. Guided by the positivist paradigm deployed in the study, some methodological limitations such as the inability to provide an in-depth explanation of cause-and-effect relationships are worth noting for future studies to explore. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the empirical work is unique, as it is the first to extend the scope of career development through the perspective of recidivism in an emerging economy. Citation: Safer Communities PubDate: 2024-12-06 DOI: 10.1108/SC-05-2024-0022 Issue No:Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
Hybrid journal * Containing 2 
Open Access article(s) in this issue *
