Gallup-The US And Canada Feel Less Safe Because of Crime-Podcast Available

The latest annual update on global safety from Gallup reveals that people worldwide are feeling safer today than they did a decade ago. However, there are still many countries that have a long way to go in achieving peaceful societies that are essential for sustainable development.

In 2023, 70% of adults worldwide reported feeling safe walking alone at night in their neighborhoods, a significant increase from previous years. Despite this overall positive trend, progress has stalled in recent years, with slightly fewer people feeling safe in 2023 compared to the record-high of 72% in 2020.

One concerning trend highlighted in the report is the decrease in perceptions of safety in the United States, Canada, and Sub-Saharan Africa. In the US and Canada, the percentage of people who feel safe has declined from 76% in 2006 to 72% in 2023. This downward trend is in contrast to the rest of the world, where perceptions of safety have generally increased.

Regionally, the report shows that at least seven in 10 people feel safe in Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Northern America (U.S. and Canada), and post-Soviet Eurasia. Post-Soviet Eurasia has shown the most significant improvement over the past two decades, with almost double the number of people feeling safe in 2023 compared to 2006.

On the other hand, people in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean continue to report feeling the least safe, with only 51% and 47% respectively feeling safe in their neighborhoods. The report also highlights that feelings of safety have declined the most in Sub-Saharan Africa compared to any other region over the past two decades.

Overall, while there has been progress in global perceptions of safety, there are still significant disparities between regions and countries. The findings underscore the importance of addressing factors that contribute to feelings of safety and security in communities worldwide.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the feeling of safety among residents has never surpassed 50%. However, in recent years, there have been some interesting shifts in perceptions of safety in different countries across the region.

One such notable change is seen in El Salvador, a country that was once notorious as the murder capital of the world. In 2023, El Salvador achieved a significant milestone by ranking as one of the “most safe” countries in the region, with a record-high 88% of residents expressing that they feel safe. This remarkable turnaround can be attributed to the government’s strict measures against gangs, resulting in lower crime rates and increased safety for the population.

On the other hand, Israel, which has historically been considered a safe country, experienced a decline in perceived safety following attacks by Hamas in October 2023. The percentage of Israelis feeling safe walking alone at night in their neighborhoods dropped to 68%, reflecting the impact of recent security threats on the population’s sense of security.

In contrast, the United States and Canada have seen a decrease in perceptions of safety over the years. Despite reported decreases in crime rates in some areas, there is growing concern about rising crime and violence in both countries. For instance, in Canada, violent crime rates have reached levels unseen since 2007, leading to heightened fears among the population.

In the US, conflicting reports on crime statistics have created confusion among the public. While some data suggest a decrease in reported crimes, other sources indicate a significant increase in violent crime rates. This discrepancy has contributed to record-high levels of fear of crime among Americans, further impacting perceptions of safety in the country.

Overall, the varying perceptions of safety across Latin America, the Caribbean, and other regions highlight the complex nature of crime and security issues. As countries grapple with rising crime rates and security challenges, addressing the underlying causes of violence and implementing effective crime prevention strategies are crucial steps towards creating safer communities for all residents.

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