Feelings of insecurity and fear of crime and violence are highest in large cities. Urban design and planning do not create violence or other forms of assault, but they do create an environment that offers greater or lesser opportunities for violence. Making public spaces physically safer is one way to reduce the opportunities for assaults and the fear of crime.

As a result of their higher levels of fear of crime, women are generally more aware of those aspects of the built environment that can offer opportunities for crime and criminals and more sensitive to risks and insecurity. For this reason, utilising women's perceptions and experiences in urban design and planning can greatly enhance overall community safety.

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