How is does Media Coverage of Crime Influence Feelings of Insecurity?

By: Constance Nothomb

Today’s media coverage on crime is based on market-driven criteria. Newspapers want to attract as many people as possible instead of simply diffusing information. This gave birth to a strict selection process of ‘newsworthiness’. In short, a crime is interesting to cover if it atypical: particularly brutal, mysterious, involving socially prominent persons. And so a situation arises, wherein we feel much more unsafe than we actually are … (read more)

What is the ‘Fear of Crime Paradox’?

By: Natalia Sobrino-Saeb

While many women fear the streets, men are actually more likely to be victims of crime and accidents in them. Where then, does this fear come from? While there are many attempted explanations, gender roles and stereotypes continue to strongly influence this paradoxical fear of the streets … (read more)

How does Street Insecurity impact Women’s Movement through the City?

By: Aileen Pohl

People can become victims of street harassment, crime and violence for a variety of reasons. Race, religion, age, size and disability – these are only some of the characteristics that can make someone stand out to an offender. And one of the characteristics with the greatest impact on people’s feelings of security in the city is gender … (read more)

Why Don’t We Let Boys Cry?

By: Natalia Sobrino-Saeb

The way men are raised establishes a no-tolerance policy for vulnerability if one is to be a man. The standards are set high for men, where they must always be in control of themselves and their surroundings. This does not allow them to show any fear in public spaces even if they may fear the street as much as women … (read more)

How are Bikes Synonymous to Empowerment?

By: Constance Nothomb

On top of allowing for mobility and independence, bikes provide autonomy, self-reliance and also safety. While they started off simply as a new mode of transportation, soon they became an instrument of empowerment for women throughout the globe. Cycling is still very prominent in today’s societies, the activity only growing over time. While mobility is still the first asset of a bike, it has not lost its ideological connotation. Organizations still work to provide bikes to as many people as possible as it brings confidence and makes streets safer … (read more)

Image: Courtesy of Bart van de Wiel

Follow Your Instinct: How Krav Maga den Haag Teaches Self-Defence

By: Natalia Sobrino-Saeb, Aileen Pohl, and Constance Northomb

Krav Maga den Haag is an organization that takes a holistic approach towards teaching self-defense. Not only do trainees learn traditional martial arts, they further have the possibility to learn about de-escalating potentially aggressive situations, communication and empowerment … (read more)