Research: Fear also causes Estonian women to alter their movements

Rebeka Kollo defended her master's thesis at the Estonian Academy of Arts, studying why an objectively safe street does not necessarily make people feel safe and what role urban design plays. She reviewed studies and interviewed four women of different ages, taking evening walks with them in their neighborhoods. Her conclusion: objective safety and the feeling of safety are two distinct concepts.

The interviews revealed a consistent theme: women fear men most. Kollo stressed this is not about all men being dangerous, but risk perception tied to past experiences and patterns. Statistics show women feel significantly less safe than men in their own neighborhoods, even though serious violent crime is rare.

Many women alter their behavior before any incident occurs: avoiding certain streets, driving instead of walking, calling friends, or taking longer but busier routes. These adaptations are not reflected in crime statistics. Unpleasant incidents often remain unreported.

Kollo's research found that lighting is not the main factor affecting safety perception; the presence of other people is more important. When few people are around, women may feel they are objects of attention. She recommends mixed-use urban zones that remain active in the evening.

Lighting and surveillance cameras alone are insufficient. What matters is having other people present to ask for help. Architecture cannot solve broader social problems, but it can help create environments where people do not feel alone on the street.