Whether it is the topic of everyday conversation, a political debate or scientific discussion: it is evident that fear of crime can be understood and examined in a variety of ways. This creates inconsistencies in the interpretation of the concept, which can hinder research into fear of crime and the design of interventions. In the past, researchers have developed classifications to better understand fear of crime. The current article aims to come to an updated and integrated classification and supplementary table of classification, within which new insights from the fear of crime literature are incorporated, to further our understanding of the concept. This classification is subsequently applied as a tool. We show how our classification can help design new research, better understand previous research and create an overview of the knowledge on fear of crime. We furthermore show how the classification can be used by policy makers to better understand and address societal challenges related to fear of crime.

The present study concerns an exploration of the nature and extent of support provided by Victim Support Netherlands (in Dutch: SHN) in the event of domestic violence, using microdata obtained from the National Statistical Institute in the Netherlands. More specifically, it provides insight into the referral to Victim Support Netherlands (by an external party, the police, or on the victim’s own initiative), whether victims receive follow-up support within SHN, and what the (demographic) predictors are for the follow-up support. Results show that of the small group of domestic violence victims who report to SHN, three quarters receive follow-up help from SHN. In addition, the chance of receiving follow-up help was greater for women than for men, and smaller for victims whose parent(s) have a migration background and in the case of multiple types of domestic violence. Moreover, the main form of help seems to be receiving information and legal assistance. Insights into victim characteristics and types of assistance at Victim Support Netherlands contribute to a better understanding of the reach of support agencies and can therefore be used to make recommendations about the formal aid and support offered to victims of domestic violence.