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Safer Communities
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.155  Number of Followers: 44  Hybrid journal * Containing 1  Open Access article(s) in this issue *ISSN (Print) 1757-8043 - ISSN (Online) 2042-8774 Published by Emerald  [362 journals]
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- The “depraved killers” penalty: a commentary on the 2023 UK sentencing
changes to individuals charged with sexually motivated or sadistic murders
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Authors: Courtney Hammond, Ashleigh S. Thatcher, Dean Fido
Abstract: British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, recently introduced a “whole life order” sentence in response to sexually motivated or sadistic homicide offences (Gov.uk, 2023). Effectively, this condemns the recipient to the remainder of their life in incarceration and renders rehabilitative interventions redundant. The purpose of this paper is to explore the literature pertaining to public pedagogy, definitions and convictions, and rehabilitative interventions – all in relation to those considered to have committed sexuallymotivated or sadistic murders, with emphasis on the implications of such. Through this commentary, this paper explores the following points in line with existing literature: (a) public knowledge of the criminal justice system and those who have committed homicide offences, (b) the manner of defining and convicting sexually motivated and sadistic murders and (c) current access to rehabilitation intervention programmes. This paper closes by recommending future research initiatives to deliver forensic-specific education for the general public as well as qualitative studies into the discourse around retribution to enable a conjunction between public concern and academic underpinning. Wider implications concerning public understandings, convictions, rehabilitations and politics are discussed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that explores the practical and theoretical implications of imposing a whole life order on those charged with sadistic or sexual-motivated murders.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-08-12
DOI: 10.1108/SC-03-2024-0011
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Navigating perilous seas: unmasking online banking frauds, perceived
usefulness, fear of cybercrime and distrust in online banking-
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Authors: Sri Lestari, Wiwiek Rabiatul Adawiyah, Arina Laksita Alhamidi, Joni Prayogi, Ronald Haryanto
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between online banking fraud experience and fear of cybercrime and distrust of online banking services, and to understand how perceived usefulness of online banking moderates the relationship. The number of respondents involved in this study was 271 people from the Central Java region, Indonesia. Statistical analysis was performed using Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program software to examine the relationships and interactions between the variables studied. Experience of online banking fraud is positively related to fear of cybercrime and distrust of online banking services. Perceived usefulness of online banking moderates the relationship between online banking fraud experience and fear of cybercrime and distrust of digital payments. Perceived usefulness is negatively related to the level of distrust of online banking services. Overall, the implications of this study underscore the importance of dealing with the risks of cybercrime in online banking services. By focusing on security, user awareness and the role of perceived usefulness, banking service providers can create a safer and more trusting environment for users of online banking services. This also contributes to the development of more innovative services and can increase customer satisfaction and trust. The practical application of these findings is important for financial institutions and online banking service providers. Companies must improve cybersecurity with the latest technology and provide education about online security practices. Transparent communication and better customer service will help overcome customer fears. Compliance with security regulations and technological innovation is also important to protect online banking services. With these steps, customer security and trust can be improved, and the adoption of online banking services will increase widely. The social implications of this research are increasing public awareness about cybersecurity, consumer protection and strengthening trust in online banking services. With joint efforts, a safer and more trusting environment in using online banking services can be realized. The originality of this research lies in the use of perceived usefulness of online banking as a moderating variable to reduce the negative impact of online banking fraud experience. With a focus on the psychological effects of customers experiencing fraud, this research seeks to rebuild trust and improve the security of online banking services.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.1108/SC-04-2024-0018
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and terrorism: a rapid evidence assessment
of risk and vulnerability factors, and implications for intervention-
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Authors: Paige Milburn, Carol Galvin, Amanda Louise Bryan, Patrick John Kennedy
Abstract: Factors that may influence risk and/or vulnerability to radicalisation or involvement in terrorism by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently undetermined. The purpose of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) was to identify and review studies which consider the association between ASD and terrorism to explore potential risk or vulnerability factors and the implications for intervention. The REA method was used to review the literature, with 16 papers meeting inclusion criteria. Ten factors were identified as relevant to ASD and terrorism which were combined into four overarching themes: cognitive, social, psychological and ASD traits. This REA presents a novel review of literature relating to ASD and terrorism. The findings are valuable to practitioners working with individuals with ASD who may present with the identified risk and/or vulnerability factors. The implications of these factors for intervention are discussed, along with directions for future research.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-07-25
DOI: 10.1108/SC-03-2024-0009
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Assaults in public places: interesting numbers from a North American
university city-
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Authors: Marcus Felson, Daniel Reinhard
Abstract: A growing literature emphasizes violence occurring in public places. Yet, police seldom report such violence separately from violent incidents occurring elsewhere. This paper aims to distinguish assaults that occur in public vs private, outdoors vs indoors and in homes vs the night-time economy. The authors reorganize police data to classify 1,062 assault locations for Boulder, Colorado, USA, 2020–2021, providing basic descriptive statistics that are seldom calculated or published. In this city, almost two-thirds of police-recorded assaults occur away from home, often within night-time economy zones. Almost half of police-recorded assaults occur outdoors. Public assaults are probably under-reported and under-recorded in police data. The share of assaults occurring in public is likely to vary greatly among cities, along with reporting practices. Public assaults can create special problems for police and social services. Poor management of public space can contribute to such violence. Alcohol policy and enforcement in public places is especially relevant to public assaults. Poor urban design might explain some of the problem. Public assaults are seen by many people and may do extra harm to children and even adults. Police reports and academic work based on them seldom distinguish public from private assaults and seldom enumerate outdoor assaults in comparison to those indoors. In addition, statistics estimating violence in the night-time economy might not compare risks to other settings.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-07-22
DOI: 10.1108/SC-12-2023-0057
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Government’s failure to protect its citizens against nomadic herders’
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Authors: Adamu Gayus Kasa, Matthew Egharevba, Ajibade Jegede
Abstract: This paper aims to present the continuous Nigerian Government’s failure to protect the lives and property of its citizens against the incessant itinerant herders’ violence, despite its numerous programs in attempts to end the carnage. It sought also to examine the relationship between this government’s failure to meet its responsibility and the ineluctable self-defense mechanisms adopted by the people of Plateau State, Nigeria. The research was both quantitative and qualitative. The study was conducted in four of the 17 Local Government Areas of the state: Bassa, Jos-south, Riyom and Barkin Ladi. A sample size of 400 was determined using Yamane Taro’s sampling size formula. Four hundred respondents were interviewed using a Google questionnaire (found at this link: https://forms.gle/tu96ZDwP85e8JsGu8). In this study, a total of seven key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions were conducted. The finding revealed that most indigenous ethnic groups were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of the nomadic herders’ aggression. Therefore, 99.1% of Berom, 99.0% of Irigwe and 92.9% of other ethnicities argued that the government’s failure to protect them is a tacit permission for self-defense. On the contrary, 60.0% of the Fulani were satisfied with the government’s strategies in ending the aggression and 95.0% of them argued that the government’s failure to protect its citizens is not an implied permission for self-defense. It was also found that a relationship exists between the government’s lack of capacity to end the nomadic herders’ aggression and implied consent for self-defense in Plateau State, Nigeria. This is a research paper that uses primary data. The findings are germane to ending the challenge of recurrent aggression of nomadic herders on other Nigerians. The study concludes that the government must live up to its responsibility of the protection of its citizens’ lives and property, failure to do so is an implicit permission to the citizens to defend themselves. It also recommended that the government should return displaced people to their communities.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-06-21
DOI: 10.1108/SC-10-2023-0044
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Hate-motivated crimes in Brazil: an overview of crimes against LGBTQI+
people-
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Authors: Vania Ceccato, Leonardo Simões Simões Agapito
Abstract: This paper aims to provide an overview of the nature of hate-motivated crimes in Brazil by focusing on offenses against LGBTQI+ people and discussing the current legal approaches to combating hate-motivated crimes. The paper draws on secondary sources and analysis of existing literature in the field, which is primarily in the Portuguese language. There is no formal definition of hate crime in Brazil. However, it is estimated that Brazil has one of the highest rates of hate crimes perpetrated against LGBTQI+ people in the world, and lethal violence against this group has been on the increase since 2000, especially among black and brown LGBTQI+ people. In more than half of the lethal incidents in public places, often in large cities, the victims and the perpetrators are typically young. The study shows how the lack of a unified legal definition for hate-motivated crimes directly impacts LGBTQI+ people, poses challenges for organizations when collecting data on this group and highlights the need for legislation and enforcement agencies to promote transparency around hate crimes in Brazil. The study shows how the lack of a unified legal definition for hate-motivated crimes directly impacts LGBTQI+ people, poses challenges for organizations when collecting data on this group and highlights the need for legislation and enforcement agencies to promote transparency around hate crimes in Brazil. The paper contributes to the literature on gender violence through the analysis of various data sources, created and disseminated by advocacy agencies and other related institutions, on hate crimes against LGBTQI+ people in Brazil.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-06-21
DOI: 10.1108/SC-12-2023-0052
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- What exactly is a hate crime in the United States (US)' A review of
hate crime in five US cities-
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Authors: Anita Kalunta-Crumpton
Abstract: The paper aims to provide a critical review of how variations in the conceptualization and contextualization of hate crime across US cities might impact how their individual law enforcement agencies collect hate crime data. Media reports and political discourses present hate crime as a prevalent problem in the USA. However, this representation of hate crime in the public sphere is not reflected in the relatively low national numbers of hate crimes published annually by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Drawing primarily on the national hate crime data for the period 2008–2018, this author conducted a secondary research study of the concept, context, extent and law enforcement collection of hate crime data in five cities in the USA. This paper is a product of some of the findings of the study, which include the definition of hate crime at the federal, state and city levels and the contextualization of hate crimes at these levels. The findings show inconsistencies in how the five cities and associated law enforcement agencies conceptualize hate crime and in how they collect and report hate crime data at local and national levels. Through its analysis of how five US cities and the associated law enforcement agencies interpret and respond to hate crime data collection, with recommendations of best practices for hate crime data collection by law enforcement agencies, the paper contributes to the academic and nonacademic debate on hate crime.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-04-16
DOI: 10.1108/SC-12-2023-0051
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- (South) African perspectives on the prevention, monitoring and combating
of hate victimisation
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Juan A. Nel, Zindi Venter
Abstract: This paper aims to provide an overview of South African perspectives on preventing, monitoring and combating hate victimisation, towards informing international understandings. Using a general review approach, this paper provides a historical examination of measures proposed by the South African Government and civil society since 1994, to prevent, monitor and combat hate crime, hate speech and intentional unfair discrimination. Regardless of a constitutional commitment to social inclusion, diversity and minority rights, significant progress remains lacking after almost three decades of related advocacy, lobbying and limited government intervention. Findings of the South African Hate Crimes Working Group (HCWG) longitudinal Monitoring Project emphasise the need for decisive legal responses to hate victimisation. A Bill, recognising hate crime and hate speech as distinct criminal offences, has been in development for almost 15 years and will soon serve before Parliament. Enactment of this legislation will be ground-breaking in Africa. This paper contributes to the field of hate studies by providing an overview of the journey towards current conceptual understandings of hate in (South) Africa. It sets the stage for evaluating the potential of the redesigned HCWG monitoring tool, which holds promise for early identification and intervention in hate hotspots and targeted sectors. This instrument can establish trends not only in South Africa but also across the African continent.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-03-28
DOI: 10.1108/SC-12-2023-0053
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Unpacking LGBT+ hate crimes discourse in Italy: between symbolic
recognition and claims for sexual citizenship-
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Authors: Caterina Peroni, Pietro Demurtas
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide a critical account of the hate crime (HC) paradigm by exploring its historical legal definition and the limitations in addressing the multiple and structural discriminations faced by minority groups. Specifically, the article focuses on the case of Italy, where in recent years a fierce debate over a proposed law on HC against LGBT+ and disabled people ended in its rejection due to neoconservative and Catholic opposition. Drawing on critical socio-criminological literature on HC, the paper analyses the Italian debates and socio-legal context over the past two decades regarding discrimination against LGBT+ groups and its (lack of) criminalization. It also provides a secondary analysis of recent data on violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, collected by the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). The analysis of the debate and the data collected shows that the criminal definition of HC is insufficient to capture the wider range of social and cultural violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people. Indeed, data analysis shows the effect of the low level of recognition of rights on the propensity of people to denounce and of social practitioners to recognize, discrimination and violence against LGBT+ people. It is therefore argued that the discussion on HC should move beyond the criminalization of individual violence to be entrenched in a broader reflection over the lack of recognition of sexual citizenship rights which perpetuates the vulnerability of LGBT+ people. This paper contributes to the international socio-criminological debate on HC. It argues for a comprehensive framework that recognizes the structural nature of discrimination and violence against vulnerable groups by framing discrimination and violence against LGBT+ people as a citizenship right rather than a criminal justice issue.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-02-23
DOI: 10.1108/SC-12-2023-0055
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- The speaking, saying and doxa of Samarco Mineração S.A. and Brazilian
magazines on Mariana’s environmental crime: notes from the treadmills of
production, crime, and law-
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Authors: Rafael Borim-de-Souza, Yasmin Shawani Fernandes, Pablo Henrique Paschoal Capucho, Bárbara Galleli, João Gabriel Dias dos Santos
Abstract: This paper aims to analyze what Samarco and Brazilian magazines speak and say about Mariana’s environmental crime. Discover their doxa in this subject. Interpret the speakings, sayings and doxas through the theories of the treadmills of production, crime and law. It is a qualitative and documental research and a narrative analysis. Regarding the documents: 45 were from public authorities, 14 from Samarco Mineração S.A. and 73 from Brazilian magazines. Theoretically, the authors resorted to Bourdieusian sociology (speaking, saying and doxa) and the treadmills of production, crime and law theories. Samarco: speaking – mission statements; saying – detailed information and economic and financial concerns; doxa – assistance discourse. Brazilian magazines: speaking – external agents; saying – agreements; doxa – attribution, aggravations, historical facts, impacts and protests. The absence of discussions that addressed this fatality, with its respective consequences, from an agenda that exposed and denounced how it exacerbated race, class and gender inequalities. Regarding Mariana’s environmental crime: Samarco Mineração S.A. speaks and says through the treadmill of production theory and supports its doxa through the treadmill of crime theory, and Brazilian magazines speak and say through the treadmill of law theory and support their doxa through the treadmill of crime theory. To provoke reflections on the relationship between the mining companies and the communities where they settle to develop their productive activities. Concerning environmental crime in perspective, submit it to a theoretical interpretation based on sociological references, approach it in a debate linked to environmental criminology, and describe it through narratives exposed by the guilty company and by Brazilian magazines with high circulation.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-02-14
DOI: 10.1108/SC-05-2023-0018
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- A systematic review of the CPTED–quality of life relationship
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Authors: Hillary Shiverenje Songole
Abstract: CPTED’s premise to the improvement of quality of life (QOL) is crime prevention and safety, and yet there is little concern for the impact of CPTED implementation to QOL when the crime increases after the interventions. This study systematically analyzed articles both quantitatively and qualitatively. This study found that the CPTED–QOL relationship discussion was highly inadequate in research. Improvement of QOL has been elevated to an unquestionable and certain truth of CPTED and yet the evidence on this is highly inconclusive. This study is a contribution to the CPTED–QOL discussion that has been lacking.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-01-29
DOI: 10.1108/SC-10-2023-0048
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Impact of terrorism on financial inclusion: evidence from the most
terrorized countries in the world-
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Authors: Peterson K. Ozili
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of terrorism on financial inclusion that is achieved through automated teller machine penetration and bank branch expansion. Eight countries that are the most terrorized countries in the world were analysed using the panel fixed effect regression model and the generalized linear model. The results provide evidence that terrorism reduces the level of financial inclusion in countries experiencing terrorism, but the presence of strong legal institutions, accountability governance institutions and political stability governance institutions mitigate the adverse effect of terrorism on financial inclusion. A growing literature has shown that terrorism affects the economy, yet little is known about its impact on financial inclusion.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2024-01-17
DOI: 10.1108/SC-08-2023-0037
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Guest editorial: What is hate crime' Contemporary perspectives from
four continents-
Free pre-print version: Loading...Guest editorial: What is hate crime? Contemporary perspectives from four continents
Anita Kalunta-Crumpton
Safer Communities, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp.189-191Safer Communities2024-06-28
DOI: 10.1108/SC-07-2024-057
Issue No: Vol. 23, No. 3 (2024)
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- Young people and terrorism: a systematic review of risk and vulnerability
factors, and implications for intervention-
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Authors: Carol Galvin, Aisling Martin, Paige Milburn, Patrick John Kennedy
Abstract: Factors that may influence risk and/or vulnerability to young people’s involvement in terrorism are currently unclear. Understanding the factors that contribute to a young person’s risk profile is a high priority for Youth Justice Services to enable the development of targeted interventions and subsequent risk reduction. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and critically review studies relating to young peoples’ involvement in terrorism to understand potential risk and/or vulnerability factors and the implications for intervention. Literature was evaluated using the systematic review method. Twelve papers were selected for the systematic review according to the inclusion criteria. Twelve factors emerged that indicated relevance to terrorism by young people and were combined into five overarching themes: contextual, social, psychological factors, trauma and use of time. This systematic review is one of the first of its kind relating to terrorism by young people. The reported findings will be valuable to practitioners seeking to understand the risk and vulnerability factors related to terrorism by young people and the implications for intervention. Directions for future research are explored.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2023-12-07
DOI: 10.1108/SC-07-2023-0029
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- ‘Readiness as opposed to eligibility’- preliminary consensus amongst
professionals regarding gender identity assessments employing the DELPHI
methodology-
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Authors: Sören Henrich
Abstract: Gender identity assessments (GIAs) have been criticized by practitioners and trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals alike. With the practice of exploring individuals’ gender identity for treatment pathway purposes being potentially invasive and inappropriate, the current study aims to explore explicit standards. The current study used the Delphi methodology to survey practitioners familiar with GIA. Over three rounds, 14 international participants rated their agreement about six areas relating to the assessment: purpose; content; approach; forensic application; psychometric instruments; and wider issues. Statements that reached an 80% cut-off among participants were viewed as a sufficient level of agreement, while the remaining items were fed back for repeated ratings. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to suggest additional items that the group could rate. Overall, a consensus across 23 items was achieved. The findings indicate a practice emphasizing collaboration between clinician and client to facilitate an informed decision. Furthermore, participants advocated for a non-pathologizing version of the GIA. This is a departure from diagnoses like gender dysphoria toward an approach which encapsulates also positive aspects of the trans experience, for example, resilience and future plans. Limitations include sampling biases due to participants’ high specialization and challenges in recruiting TGNC individuals. Furthermore, findings appear restricted to adult services. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this pilot is a first step to making current practice transparent and comparable, with the hopes to improve trans care. Furthermore, it is contextualized with the previously suggested application of the power threat meaning framework to GIA.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2023-11-29
DOI: 10.1108/SC-03-2023-0006
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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- Young Voices United: co-designing a place-based youth-led sexual and
violence abuse prevention approach for one Australian community-
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Authors: Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, Taylor Jade Willmott, Nadine McKillop, Pamela Saleme Ruiz, Anna Kitunen
Abstract: Recognising current, significant rates of youth sexual violence and abuse (YSVA) and the need for more comprehensive prevention approaches to combat this social issue, new approaches are required to ensure that agency is given to the people who are most affected and who know their lives the best. This paper aims to report a youth-led (Young Voices United [YVU] Committee) participatory design approach aimed at delivering the highest level of engagement to understand what people agree is needed to reduce YSVA in their own communities. The seven-step co-design (Trischler et al., 2019) process was implemented following ethical clearance. Over five months, 13 group co-design sessions involving 102 young people aged 12–25 years, 17 parents/caregivers (including young mums) and 9 teacher/guidance officers were conducted. Purposive sampling was undertaken to ensure that young people who had previously experienced YSVA or were most at risk of experiencing YSVA were overrepresented. Convenience sampling was used to gain wider community involvement in co-design. Four sessions were facilitated by YVU members, who were aged between 12 and 25 years, and more than 66 people helped the design team. Inductive thematic analysis identified emergent themes across completed co-design sessions. New ideas and solutions to prevent YSVA can be identified by young people who have previously experienced violence, carers, other young people and community members. A core finding in this study is the need for positive relationship role models and an enhanced understanding of consent. Education and training, a community promotional campaign, sector involvement, capacity-building and consideration of the unique needs of different target audiences were key ideas emerging from youth-led co-design. The YVU Committee provided recommendations for resource prioritisation. This youth-led co-design process empowered the community. Project stakeholders have since formed partnerships won funding and used that funding to co-design and trial a new programme aiming to provide a safe haven for young people at risk of YSVA. The pilot programme delivers a safe and supportive environment for young people delivered at a time when it is needed most. Other geographical areas are now seeking to replicate the programme. The co-design processes and tools detailed in this study can be adapted to the design of programmes for those already engaged with the youth justice system and should be considered as part of a public health approach to effectively prevent and respond to YSVA and other youth crimes. This paper advances understanding, providing a practical approach that ensures youth views are given weight [audience and influence described in Lundy’s (2007) participatory framework]. This paper explains how the YVU Committee, established at the commencement of the project, oversaw the community co-design effort, which followed Trischler et al.’s (2019) seven-step co-design process. Ideas were generated, and consensus views were consolidated, delivering the highest level of engagement according to Willmott et al.’s (2022) methodology, agent of change, training and engagement taxonomy. The participatory design method led to high levels of community engagement, and the success of the project is attributed to the establishment of the YVU Committee and stakeholder support.
Citation: Safer Communities
PubDate: 2023-11-24
DOI: 10.1108/SC-09-2022-0039
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2023)
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