What do people with protected characteristics think about community safety in Scotland?
This 2021 research sought to understand the experiences of people often under-represented in community safety research, including people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ communities, young people, ethnic minorities, and victims of crime.
Through tailored surveys and sensitively facilitated focus groups, the research captured personal stories and reflections on safety. Key themes included:
- Home as a safe space: The majority of respondents felt safest at home or with family and friends
- Environment matters: Street lighting, public transport safety and antisocial behaviour were common concerns across all groups
- Specific barriers: Visually impaired people highlighted pavement obstacles and guide dog safety; LGBTQI+ participants spoke about the need for acceptance beyond visibility; young people described feeling unsafe around groups drinking in public
- Online safety: Participants had mixed views — some felt safer online due to greater control, while others experienced constant harassment
This work is ongoing, with further engagement planned with older people, minority ethnic communities, faith groups and Gypsy/Traveller communities.
Read the full report: Experiences of Community Safety (PDF)
This report is part of our Community Safety Research 2021 series, commissioned in partnership with MainStreet Consulting.
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