Continuum of insecurity
Els Enhus, professor emeritus in criminology at Vrije Unviversiteit Brussel
Women navigate the city in markedly different ways than men. In criminology, the concept of ‘fear of crime’ perpetuates the normalisation of street harassment. However, street harassment is a common experience for most people (88%), especially women, and leaves many feeling constantly anxious. To deal with the subjection to a ‘continuum’ of insecurity, they have to adapt coping strategies. Women’s experiences in the public space tend to accumulate in what is referred to as psychological backpacks which they carry around and which change the way they navigate the city.