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.
Feeling safe walking alone at night
According to recent data, about 68% of people in OECD countries say they feel safe walking alone at night. There are major differences, however, between countries. While 85% or more of people in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Switzerland say they feel safe. The level in Mexico is just below 40%, and the same is true for Brazil and South Africa. Latvia is closer to the OECD average with 62%.
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 4.1 murders per 100 000 inhabitants. Homicide rates for men are usually higher than those affecting women, with 7.0 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 "Feeling safe walking alone at night" is provided by the Gallup World Poll.
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Safety in Detail by Country
lva Safety - Latvia expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Latvia, about 62% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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, Latvia's homicide rate is 6.1, higher than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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zaf Safety - South Africa expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In South Africa, 40% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much less than the OECD average of 68%.
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, South Africa's homicide rate is 9.6, much higher than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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aus Safety – Australia expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Australia, about 63% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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aut Safety – Austria expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Austria, about 81% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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bel Safety – Belgium expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Belgium, about 70% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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bra Safety – Brazil expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Brazil, about 40% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 26.7, more than six times the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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can Safety – Canada expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Canada, about 82% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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
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chl Safety – Chile expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Chile, 50% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 3.8, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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cze Safety – Czech Republic expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In the Czech Republic, 70% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 0.9, much lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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dnk Safety – Denmark expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Denmark, 85% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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est Safety – Estonia expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Estonia, 67% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, slightly less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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fin Safety – Finland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Finland, about 86% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 1.5, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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fra Safety – France expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In France, about 71% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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deu Safety – Germany expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Germany, about 75% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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grc Safety – Greece expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Greece, about 63% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 1.5, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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hun Safety – Hungary expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Hungary, 53% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 1.2, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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isl Safety – Iceland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Iceland 78% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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
Leveraging social media to increase public safety
Reykjavik's metropolitan police enhanced their social media capabilities to better inform citizens about safety risks. With new Facebook and Twitter accounts the police are able to engage with the public and disseminate safety information and alerts.
An alert posted on their Facebook account regarding a snow storm showed great accessibility and reach in March 2013. The information was read by 19 000 users in 19 minutes, meaning it reached almost 10% of the city’s population very quickly. Reykjavik's police force had 42 500 Facebook subscribers, 3 843 Twitter subscribers and 5 221 Instagram subscribers by August 2013. Ongoing evaluations have demonstrated that the project has also had the added benefit of improving public perceptions of the police force and generating more trust.
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irl Safety – Ireland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Ireland, 77% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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isr Safety – Israel expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Israel, 66% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 1.8, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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ita Safety – Italy expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Italy, 59% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 0.8, much lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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jpn Safety – Japan expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Japan, 70% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, above the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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kor Safety – Korea expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Korea, about 68% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, in line with the OECD average.
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 4.1.
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.
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lux Safety – Luxembourg expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Luxembourg, about 71% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, higher than the OECD average of 68%.
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 0.2, much lower than the OECD average of 4.1, and one of the lowest in the OECD.
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.
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mex Safety – Mexico expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Mexico, almost 40% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much less the OECD average of 68%, and the lowest in the OECD.
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 4.1, and the highest in the OECD.
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.
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nld Safety – Netherlands expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In the Netherlands, about 81% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 0.8, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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
Better fraud protection and greater efficiency
The cities of Curacao and Bonaire have piloted a simplified process for replacing lost or stolen travel documents. Typically, people have to both declare the loss or theft at a police station and then request a new document from their municipality. The pilot reduces this process to a single procedure where citizens can notify their municipality and request to have their document(s) replaced at the same time.
Evaluations of these pilots found that simplifying this process has improved service quality, the detection of identity fraud, and reduced administrative burdens for police and citizens. Police officers also save 187 000 hours on administrative processes – or approximately 120 full-time equivalents. These time savings increase efficiency as police officers can prioritise other tasks. Issuing authorities also experience significant time savings, reaching a little over 15 000 hours in total. Per year, citizens save roughly 200 000 hours. Participants gave the pilot high satisfaction ratings and police officers support the project's continuation.
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nzl Safety – New Zealand expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In New Zealand, 64% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1
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.
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nor Safety – Norway expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Norway, about 90% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much more than the OECD average of 68%, and the highest in the OECD.
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 1.0, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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pol Safety – Poland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Poland, 66% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.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 1.0, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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prt Safety – Portugal expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Portugal, 69% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, slightly more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 0.9, lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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rus Safety – Russian Federation expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In the Russian Federation, 53% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 11.3, much higher than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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svk Safety – Slovak Republic expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In the Slovak Republic, 62% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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svn Safety – Slovenia expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Slovenia, 84% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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esp Safety – Spain expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Spain, about 82% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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
Social media for safety
The Spanish National Police turned to social media to conduct awareness campaigns, advertise success stories, and request citizen co-operation to solve cases. Content-rich messages with plain, professional language were often even humorous or provocative to get people's attention. They also kept interest constant by answering every question they received from their followers – reaching more than 1.35 million on Twitter – more than the FBI. The Spanish National Police also reach the public through their YouTube account and have 5.7 million views. Citizens often help to solve cases, ranging from drug trafficking to threats to public figures. This innovative use of social media has helped the national police increase preventative and operational safety.
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Indicators
swe Safety – Sweden expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Sweden, about 77% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 0.8, much lower than the OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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Indicators
che Safety – Switzerland expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Switzerland, 87% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, much more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.
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Indicators
tur Safety – Turkey expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In Turkey, 60% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, less than the OECD average of 68%.
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 1.7, compared with an OECD average of 4.1.
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.
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Indicators
gbr Safety – United Kingdom expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In the United Kingdom, 78% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 0.2, one of the lowest rates in the OECD, where the average is 4.1.
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.
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Indicators
usa Safety – United States expand
Key Findings
Personal security is a core element for the well-being of individuals. Do you feel safe out walking, alone at night, for example? In the United States, 74% of people say that they feel safe walking alone at night, more than the OECD average of 68%.
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 4.1.
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.