Footnote(s): (a) Reported as occurring in the 12 months prior to interview.
(b) Persons aged 15 years or over.
(c) 'During the day' estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution.
(d) Main reason for never being alone.
Fear of crime can affect the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities (ABS 2010d). Perceptions of safety when alone may indicate perceptions of problems in the neighbourhood, previous experience with crime and the level of trust in their local community. Higher proportions of people who feel safe indicate higher levels of trust and social cohesion within the community.
In 2008-09, most Australians aged 15 years or over reported feeling safe or very safe at home alone during the day (83%), and safe or very safe at home alone after dark (70%). Very few people reported feeling unsafe or very unsafe at home alone after dark (4.3%).
When walking alone after dark in their own neighbourhood, 37% of people felt safe or very safe, whilst 15% said they would never do this alone because of safety concerns. Almost three-quarters (74%) of people who felt unsafe when alone were women (ABS 2010d).
Feelings of safety at home alone(a)(b) - 2008-09
Footnote(s): (a) Reported as occurring in the 12 months prior to interview. (b) Persons aged 15 years or over. (c) 'During the day' estimate has a relative standard error of 25% to 50% and should be used with caution. (d) Main reason for never being alone.
Source(s): ABS Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2008-09 (cat. no. 4530.0)
Feelings of safety when alone in public places(a)(b) - 2008-09
Footnote(s): (a) Reported as occurring in the 12 months prior to interview. (b) Persons aged 15 years and over. (c) Main reason for never being alone.
Source(s): ABS Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2008-09 (cat. no. 4530.0)