Insights into women's perceived safety: Empirical findings from intercept surveys

This study investigates the relative importance of various factors in influencing women's perceived safety in public spaces. Using a quantitative approach with on-site intercept surveys, we aim to capture immediate perceived safety of street users across three distinct locations in the medium-sized Indian cities of Udupi and Manipal, each characterised by unique built environment features. Through statistical analyses, the study highlights the significant role of built environment characteristics, such as surveillance, the availability of safe shelters, and the proximity and reliability of transit services, in shaping women's perceived safety. Personal characteristics are also considered, with the length of local residency identified as the most influential individual factor. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policies aimed at enhancing women's perceived safety in public spaces prioritise improvements to surveillance infrastructure, safe shelters, and transit services.