Navigating Fear: Women’s Perceptions of Safety and Vulnerability in the Urban Landscape of Sambalpur, India

Abstract

Vulnerability is the perception of being exposed and susceptible to potential harm or adversity. This study underscores the critical role of individual women’s perceived vulnerability in shaping their sense of safety and risk of victimization within the urban landscape. Focusing on women aged 15–49 years in Sambalpur city and its surrounding areas, the research draws on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, analyzed through a phenomenological lens. Findings reveal that women’s perceptions of physical vulnerability, sociopsychological harm associated with sexual crimes, apprehension about demands for sexual favors, and direct or vicarious experiences of victimization profoundly shape their fears and perceived risk of crime in the city. Recognizing and addressing these dimensions is vital to fostering urban spaces where women can move freely and confidently, without the shadow of fear or anxiety. © 2025 Springer Publishing Company.