Safety
Background
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Crime may lead to loss of life and property, as well as physical pain, post-traumatic stress and anxiety. One of the biggest impacts of crime on people’s well-being appears to be through the feeling of vulnerability that it causes.
Assault rate
According to recent data, 3.9% of people in OECD countries say they have been assaulted or mugged over the past 12 months. There are major differences, however, between countries. The rates for Canada, Japan, Poland, the United States and the United Kingdom are below 2% but they reach more than 6% in Chile, Israel and Belgium, and 12.8% in Mexico. Although the assault rate in the Russian Federation is in line with the OECD average with approximately 4%, almost 8% of people in Brazil say they have been assaulted or mugged over the past 12 months. Assault rates are slightly higher for men across OECD countries, with 4.3% of men reporting assault or mugging, compared with 3.6% for women.
Homicide rate
Homicide rates (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) only represent the most extreme form of contact crime and thus do not provide information about more typical safety conditions. They are however a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the average homicide rate in the OECD is 4.0 murders per 100 000 inhabitants. Homicide rates for men are usually higher than those affecting women, with 6.9 per 100 000 for men and 1.3 per 100 000 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
Social status also has an impact on victimisation rates and perceptions of security. People with higher income and higher education usually report higher feelings of security and face lower risks of crime. This can be explained by the fact they can afford better security and are less exposed to criminal activities such as youth gangs or drug smuggling.
Note: data for the indicator “Assault Rate” is provided by the Gallup World Poll.
Top Ranking
Indicators
Find Out More
Safety in Detail by Country
aus Safety – Australia expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Australia, 2.1% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at 2.5% for men and 1.7% for women.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Australia’s homicide rate is 0.8, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. The homicide rate for men is 1.1 compared with 0.6 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
aut Safety – Austria expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Austria, 3.4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. The difference between men and women in assault rates is approximately 2 percentage points, at 4.6% for men and 2.4% for women.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Austria’s homicide rate is 0.4, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Austria, the homicide rate is the same for men and women.
While men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
bel Safety – Belgium expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Belgium, 6.6% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at 6.2% for men and 7.0% for women.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Belgium’s homicide rate is 1.1, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. The homicide rate for men is 1.4 compared with 0.7 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
bra Safety – Brazil expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Brazil, 7.9% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, nearly twice the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at 7.6% for men and 8.1% for women.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Brazil’s homicide rate is 25.5, about six times the OECD average of 4.0. In Brazil, the homicide rate for men is 48.1 compared with 4.4 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
can Safety – Canada expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Canada, 1.3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, the lowest rate in the OECD where the average is 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Canada’s homicide rate is 1.5, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Canada, the homicide rate for men is of 2.1 compared with 0.9 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible
More Resources
Indicators
chl Safety – Chile expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Chile, 6.9% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at 7.2% for men and 6.6% for women.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Chile’s homicide rate is 4.4, higher than the OECD average of 4.0. In Chile, the gender gap is relatively high, as the homicide rate for men is 7.9 compared with 1.0 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
cze Safety – Czech Republic expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In the Czech Republic, almost 2.8% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of almost2 percentage points between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.8% and 1.9%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the Czech Republic’s homicide rate is 0.8, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In the Czech Republic, the homicide rate for men is 1.0 compared with 0.7 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
dnk Safety – Denmark expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Denmark, 3.9% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, in line with the OECD average. There is a difference of almost 2 percentage points between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 4.9% and 3.1%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Denmark’s homicide rate is 0.3, one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average homicide rate is 4.0.. In Denmark, the homicide rate for men is 0.4 compared with 0.2 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
est Safety – Estonia expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Estonia, 5.5% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 5.4% and 5.6%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Estonia’s homicide rate is 4.8, higher than the OECD average of 4.0. In Estonia, the homicide rate for men is 7.6 compared with 2.5 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
fin Safety – Finland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Finland, almost 2.4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a 3 percentage point difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.9% and 0.9%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Finland’s homicide rate is 1.4, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Finland, the homicide rate is the same for men and women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
fra Safety – France expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In France, about 5.0% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of more than 1 percentage point between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 5.6% and 4.4%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, France’s homicide rate is 0.6, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In France, the homicide rate for men is 0.8 compared with 0.4 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
deu Safety – Germany expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Germany, 3.6% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, slightly less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a 1 percentage point difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.1% and 4.1%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Germany’s homicide rate is 0.5, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Germany, the homicide rate is the same for men and women.
While men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
grc Safety – Greece expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Greece, 3.7% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, slightly less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.6% and 3.8%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Greece’s homicide rate is 1.6, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Greece, the homicide rate for men is 2.6 compared with 0.5 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
hun Safety – Hungary expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Hungary, 3.6% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.4% and 3.8%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Hungary’s homicide rate is 1.3, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Hungary, the homicide rate for men is 1.7 compared with 1.0 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
isl Safety – Iceland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Iceland, 2.7% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.0% and 2.3%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Iceland’s homicide rate is 0.3, one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average homicide rate is 4.0.. In Iceland, the homicide rate for men is 0.6 compared with zero for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
irl Safety – Ireland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Ireland, 2.6% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a 1 percentage point difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 2.1% and 3.1%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Ireland’s homicide rate is 0.8, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Ireland, the homicide rate for men is 1.4 compared with 0.2 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
isr Safety – Israel expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Israel, 6.4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 5.9% and 6.8%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Israel’s homicide rate is 2.3, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Israel, the homicide rate for men is 3.5 compared with 1.1 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
ita Safety – Italy expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Italy, 4.7% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of more than 1 percentage point between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 5.4% and 4.1%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Italy’s homicide rate is 0.7, muchlower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Italy, the homicide rate for men is 1.1 compared with 0.4 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
jpn Safety – Japan expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Japan, almost 1.4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much less than the OECD average of 3.9% and one of the lowest rates across the OECD. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 1.2% and 1.5%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Japan’s homicide rate is 0.3, one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average homicide rate is 4.0. In Japan, the homicide rate is the same for men and for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
kor Safety – Korea expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Korea, almost 2.1% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 1.9% and 2.2%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Korea’s homicide rate is 1.1, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Korea, the homicide rate is 1.2 for men compared to 1.0 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
Better Policies for Better Lives
Helping single women
With more citizens opting to live by themselves, and 53% of them being women, it became necessary for the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) to introduce a measure aimed at supporting the lives of single women. The Initiative for Single Women includes many services for single women including: safe housing, an education programme, healthcare services, and job opportunities.
The SMG are supplying 2 000 units of rental studio apartments by 2015 that are exclusively for single women and providing ‘One-Stop Real Estate Services’ to women who have difficulty with their housing contracts. They are providing Unmanned Delivery Systems and installing anti-theft windows, as well as medical services onsite and a women’s clinic. To improve the employment prospects for single women, they are offering internships for single women to create decent job opportunities. Finally, the government is also supporting 100 communities, like the Seoul Med Co-op, for single women by 2015.
So far 2 000 single female households have now been able to move into a safer housing environment. In addition, 100 000 women have been expected to benefit from the violence prevention programme by 2015, and 700 women have already benefited from the healthcare services.
More Resources
Indicators
lux Safety – Luxembourg expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Luxembourg, almost 4.3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 4.7% and 3.9%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Luxembourg’s homicide rate is 0.4, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Luxembourg, the homicide rate for men is 0.8 compared to zero for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
mex Safety – Mexico expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Mexico, 12.8% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of over 1 percentage point between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 13.5% and 12.1%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Mexico’s homicide rate is 23.4, much higher than the OECD average of 4.0 and the highest in the OECD. In Mexico, men are far more likely to be murder victims than women, as the homicide rate for men is 44.5 compared with 4.8 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
nld Safety – Netherlands expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In the Netherlands, almost 4.9% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a 3 percentage point difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 6.5% and 3.5%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the Netherland’s homicide rate is 0.9, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In the Netherlands, the homicide rate for men is 1.2 compared with 0.6 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
nzl Safety – New Zealand expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In New Zealand, 2.2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of almost 2 percentage points between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.2% and 1.4%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, New Zealand’s homicide rate is 1.2, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In New Zealand, the homicide rate for men is 1.5 compared with 1.0 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
nor Safety – Norway expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Norway, nearly 3.3% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a 2 percentage point difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 4.3% and 2.3%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Norway’s homicide rate is 0.6, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Norway, the homicide rate for men is 0.8 compared with 0.4 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
pol Safety – Poland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Poland, 1.4% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much less than the OECD average of 3.9% and one of the lowest rates across the OECD. There is a difference of almost 1 percentage point between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 1.0% and 1.8%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Poland’s homicide rate is 0.9, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Poland the homicide rate for men is 1.4 compared with 0.5 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
prt Safety – Portugal expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Portugal, 5.7% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 5.2% and 6.1%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Portugal’s homicide rate is 1.1, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Portugal, the homicide rate for men is 1.5 compared with 0.7 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
rus Safety – Russian Federation expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In the Russian Federation, 3.8% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, close to the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of more than 2 percentage points between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 5.0% and 2.8%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the Russian Federation’s homicide rate is 12.8, much higher than the OECD average of 4.0. In the Russian Federation, the homicide rate for men is 21.8 compared with 5.9 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
svk Safety – Slovak Republic expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In the Slovak Republic, nearly 3.0% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, less than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of more than 1.5 percentage points between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.8% and 2.2%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the Slovak Republic’s homicide rate is 1.2, lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In the Slovak Republic, the homicide rate for men is 1.4 compared with 1.0 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
svn Safety – Slovenia expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Slovenia, 3.9% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, in line with the OECD average. There is a difference of more than one percentage point between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 3.2% and 4.5%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Slovenia’s homicide rate is 0.4, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Slovenia, the homicide rate is 0.5 for men compared to 0.4 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
esp Safety – Spain expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Spain, almost 4.2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, slightly more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 4.1% and 4.3%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Spain’s homicide rate is 0.6, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Spain, the homicide rate for men is 0.9 compared with 0.4 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
swe Safety – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Sweden, 5.1% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 4.7% and 5.5%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Sweden’s homicide rate is 0.7, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Sweden, the homicide rate for men is 0.9 compared with 0.4 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
che Safety – Switzerland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Switzerland, 4.2% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, slightly more than the OECD average of 3.9%. Men are more likely to be victims of assault than women across OECD countries. In Switzerland there is a difference of almost 3 percentage points between men and women, at respectively 5.7% and 2.8%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Switzerland’s homicide rate is 0.5, much lower than the OECD average of 4.0. In Switzerland, the homicide rate is the same for men and women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
tur Safety – Turkey expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In Turkey, 5.0% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, more than the OECD average of 3.9%. There is a difference of almost 3 percentage points between men and women, at respectively 6.4% and 3.7%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, Turkey’s homicide rate is 1.2, compared with an OECD average of 4.0. In Turkey, the homicide rate for men is 2.0 compared with 0.5 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
gbr Safety – United Kingdom expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In the United Kingdom, 1.9% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much less than the OECD average of 3.9% and one of the lowest rates across the OECD. There is a difference of more than 2 percentage points between men and women, at respectively 3.2% and 0.9%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the United Kingdom’s homicide rate is 0.3, one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average is 4.0. In the United Kingdom, the homicide rate for men is 0.4 compared with 0.2 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.
More Resources
Indicators
usa Safety – United States expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals, and includes the risks of people being physically assaulted or falling victim to other types of crime. Across the OECD, assault rates have generally declined in the past five years. In the United States, 1.5% of people reported falling victim to assault over the previous 12 months, much less than the OECD average of 3.9% and one of the lowest rates across the OECD. There is little difference between men and women in assault rates, at respectively 1.7% and 1.3%.
The homicide rate (the number of murders per 100 000 inhabitants) is a more reliable measure of a country’s safety level because, unlike other crimes, murders are usually always reported to the police. According to the latest OECD data, the United States’ homicide rate is 5.2, higher than the OECD average of 4.0. In the United States, men are far more likely to be murdered than women, as the homicide rate for men is 8.1 compared with 2.2 for women.
However, while men are at a greater risk of being victims of assault and violent crime, women report lower feelings of security than men. This has been explained by a greater fear of sexual attacks, the feeling they must also protect their children and their concern that they may be seen as partially responsible.