Nine in ten South Africans fear falling victim to crime

If the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service are anything to go by it’s no surprise that South Africans suffer from some of the highest perceptions of insecurity in the world.

More than 94 percent of the 1 615 South Africans who participated in the online poll conducted by Pharma Dynamics, said they were ‘extremely afraid’ of falling victim to crime in the near future, which is further fuelling South Africa’s already high rates of anxiety and depression.

Mariska Fouché, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, says the likelihood of people suffering from depression is twice as high in South Africa than in the United Kingdom and United States of America, and that South Africa’s unhealthy crime situation is a major contributing factor.

“With serious and violent crime currently at a 10-year high with increases in murder, attempted murder, car hijacking, street robbery and house robbery – all crimes which South Africans are most afraid of – it is no wonder that perceptions of insecurity are so high in South Africa.

“Our survey is indicative of how much crime, specifically violent crime, can contribute to a mass fear of insecurity. If your fear of crime levels are high your health is likely to suffer, particularly your mental health.

“Recent international research on the topic found that people with a strong fear of crime are twice as likely to suffer from depression. Perceptions of personal safety also give us an idea of how these conditions are likely to affect the way people live their lives. Those who have an intense fear of victimization become less socially active, tend to stay indoors more and get less exercise, which heightens their risk for developing mental health problems. The perception that the world is becoming increasingly dangerous diminishes an individual’s quality of life, social trust and undermines their capacity to deal with problems – no matter how big or small.

“People living with depression also have a tendency to dwell on negative experiences or information over positive, and so the relentless onslaught of negative media stories can have a particularly devastating effect. Given that the fear of crime increases the likelihood of developing depression, and that depression increases the likelihood of fixating on stories about brutal crimes, this can create a potentially destructive cycle,” says Fouché.

Fouché points out that the fear of crime has an incredibly corrosive effect on individuals and entire communities. “Freedom from fear of crime is vital not just for economic welfare but more importantly for the well-being of the public. People not only need to be safe but they also need to feel safe.

“Fear is based on perception, so the police, whose mandate is to reduce fear, have to follow through and make sure that the public sees and hears about it,” she advises.

Highly effective programmes, informed by the public and specifically designed for law officials the world-over, list the following top five strategies to reduce the fear of crime among communities:

1. Reduce incivility and disorder

2. Increase police visibility via motorised and foot patrol

3. Respond immediately to emergency calls

4. Establish strong police community relations

5. Report on solved crimes

“Community policing is one of the most effective tools for reducing the fear of crime. When law enforcement works directly with residents and businesses within a community, they are going a long way toward reducing crime, improving quality of life and enhancing public safety,” says Fouche.

Those suffering from depression or anxiety can contact Pharma Dynamics’ toll-free helpline on 0800-205-026, which is manned by trained Sadag counsellors who are on call from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.