How Safe Do People Feel Walking at Night?

Gallup's Global Safety Report 202 4 asks a powerful question: "In the city or area where you live, do you feel safe walking alone at night?"

This question, answered by 146,000 people across 140 countries, reveals a significant trend.

70% of respondents feel safe, which has steadily grown over the past decade from 64%.

This global improvement in safety perceptions is a reason for optimism and reassurance about the future of our communities.

Certain regions stand out for their strong sense of security. In Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Northern America, and the Middle East, more than 70% of respondents expressed confidence in their safety at night. Post-Soviet Eurasia has also shown remarkable progress, with 71% of people feeling safe, a significant recovery from the 37% reported in 2006.

However, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America lag, with only 51% and 47% reporting that they feel safe walking alone at night. Notably, El Salvador's improvement stands out in Latin America: in 2023, a record-high 88% of residents reported feeling safe walking alone at night amid the government's recent crackdown on gangs.

Gallup's Law and Order Index

Gallup's Law and Order Index offers a measure of safety, combining people's confidence in local police, personal experiences with crime, and access to essential services. It highlights the importance of trust in institutions as a critical factor in how secure people feel. In countries with high levels of optimism and faith in local governance, such as Australia, safety perceptions are generally more robust, and public confidence in law enforcement and community services bolsters this.

Feelings of safety are influenced by more than just crime statistics; they also hinge on the public's trust in their local police and satisfaction with broader aspects of their communities, such as the quality of schools, healthcare, water, and air. In lower-income countries, confidence in law enforcement often plays a more significant role in shaping people's sense of safety, outweighing factors like community satisfaction.

Australia

In Australia, the perception of safety closely mirrors the global average. Australia's Law and Order Index score of 81 places it alongside nations like Germany, the United States, and Portugal. This score reflects a balance between personal safety, confidence in local law enforcement, and the quality of essential services. While most Australians feel secure, there are still areas for improvement, especially regarding trust in institutions and satisfaction with community services.

The Role of Optimism in Trust and Safety

Optimism plays a crucial role in fostering this sense of trust and security.

According to "The Optimism Principle", optimism is not merely about hoping for positive outcomes but about actively creating environments where people feel supported by their institutions.

As Robert Masters AM LFCPRA and I have discussed, optimism empowers communities and leaders to build trust, reinforcing confidence in good governance, essential services, and law enforcement. People who believe their leaders are working towards positive outcomes feel safer, and their communities become more resilient.

This concept is further reinforced by "The Optimism Effect," explored in research by the 澳大利亚悉尼大学 . Their findings demonstrate that countries with higher levels of optimism tend to have greater trust in their institutions, which leads to better governance and improved access to services like healthcare and education. This optimism effect suggests that when people are hopeful about the future, they are more likely to engage positively with their communities, support law enforcement, and trust essential services, all of which contribute to an increased sense of safety.

What Can You Do? The Power of a Genuine Smile

While there are many public policy implications surrounding safety, the best thing you can do on an individual level is simple: give a genuine smile and greeting to everyone you pass. A genuine smile can be potent, helping to break down barriers and build connections within your community. Research shows genuine smiles create a sense of trust and warmth, fostering optimism in those around you. Smiling can make others feel more secure and welcome, contributing to a stronger sense of community safety.

At The Centre for Optimism, we believe in the power of a genuine smile to uplift others. It's contagious, spreading positive energy and creating a ripple effect. A sincere smile releases endorphins and boosts the giver's and receiver's moods, making people feel more connected and confident in their surroundings. As you walk through your community, remember that a small act of optimism—a smile—can have far-reaching effects, helping to make your environment feel safer for everyone.

Conclusion

How safe people feel walking alone at night is about more than just crime rates—it is intertwined with trust in local institutions, good governance, and optimism for the future. In Australia and beyond, fostering optimism within communities and reinforcing trust in local law enforcement and services can enhance perceptions of safety. The optimism effect shows that when people believe in positive outcomes and trust their institutions, they are more likely to feel secure in their everyday lives.

How do you think optimism and trust interact in your country's context?

What role do you see optimism playing in shaping the safety of your community?