Perception of Crime and Women’s Safety in Urban Low-income Communities: A Case Study of Nima, Accra

ABSTRACT

 The increasing nature of crime and violence in many cities threatens the security and safety of many residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as women which has however received less academic attention from researchers and scholars from developing countries. The principal aim of the study was to assess women’s perception of crime and safety in an urban low-income community with particular focus on three selected public spaces: marketplace; transport terminal; and public toilets within the Nima community in the Accra metropolis. A cross sectional survey and a mixed methodological approach was used to conduct the study. Findings from the study revealed that there is a general decline in the perceived rate of crime within the Nima community. However, stealing and bag snatching were found to be very dominant in the market and transport terminals. Smoking and fighting were also found to be very high at the public toilets. Financial stress (need) coupled with unemployment were found to be the major contributory factors influencing crime incidents in the area. Regular patrol of the police team and watchdog committee (volunteers), crime victimization prevention measures such as the use of security doors/special door locks as well as special windows (burglar proof), shouting for help, being in the company of known males, keeping money in their brassier by women are factors accounting for the general reduction in crime and the increasing level of safety. The study recommends that an improved safety and security, creation of jobs for the youth, improving lighting system both on streets and public spaces at night time as well as restoring of personnel and surveillance by watch dog committees in the Nima community is necessary to reduce the level of crime and increase women’s safety.