Urban Victimization in Peruvian Cities: Influence of Demographic and Population Factors on Citizen Security

The rapid transformation of large urban concentrations in Latin America faces new challenges due to crime, especially in the most profound socio-economic contrasts between cities with high population density. This study sought to examine the features of urban victimization in Peru. The research used a quantitative, non-experimental and cross-sectional design, from data collected by the 2024 National Survey of Budgetary Programmes and analyzed with statistical software version 26.0. The use of this methodology facilitated the exploration of space, producing a more nuanced understanding and revealing unique spatial patterns of victimization across different sizes of urban areas. The results showed that victimization depends on demographic factors and the size of population centers, with higher levels of insecurity in large cities. In intermediate and small urban areas, population growth revealed a complex and even negative relationship with crime, where community cohesion may act as a protective factor. The most novel finding is that population size does not always increase criminality, as its effects vary according to social and territorial contexts. In addition, young people aged 15 to 29 were identified as the most vulnerable group, and property crimes had the highest incidence, while sexual assaults and frauds were notably underreported. t is concluded that urban victimization in Peru responds to differentiated dynamics according to the size and characteristics of population centers. The results show that population growth does not always increase crime, as in certain contexts it may be associated with protective effects. This highlights the need for citizen security policies adapted to each territory and especially focused on youth and the most recurrent crimes.