What makes young adults vulnerable to public stranger violence? Examining the influence of psycho-educational interventions on perceived vulnerability, fear of crime, intentions and behaviour

This thesis examined the influence of psycho-educational interventions on young adults perceived vulnerability, fear of crime, intentions and behaviour. Highlighted was the need for anti-violence programs to address the misinformation that young adults hold about public stranger violence, inadvertently increasing their vulnerability. There is support that psycho-educational interventions decrease individual fear of crime. Thus, evidence-based information can empower individuals to mitigate their risk in public, reducing fear and the threat of public stranger. Increasing engagement in public life and decreasing fear have positive implications for mental health and well-being for those experiencing anxiety about public stranger victimisation.