Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why might victims choose not to report crimes to the police?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
criminology
FBI workers collecting evidence.
In the field of criminology, it is widely recognized that official crime statistics often underrepresent the actual volume of criminal activity because many victims choose not to report their experiences to the police.1
Victims may refrain from reporting crimes for several reasons:
- Lack of Awareness: Victims may not realize that a crime has been committed against them, which is common in cases involving children.1
- Perceived Futility: Victims may believe that law enforcement will be unable to apprehend the offender.1
- Fear and Embarrassment: Individuals may fear the burden of serving as a witness or feel embarrassed by the circumstances surrounding the crime.1
- Legal and Social Barriers: In cases such as rape, victims may fear the trauma of distressing cross-examinations in court or face social ostracism and threats to their family's honor.2
- Alternative Resolution: Some incidents may be perceived as minor or may be resolved through other channels, such as school authorities.1
Because these factors vary over time and by jurisdiction, official statistics can be misleading, prompting researchers to use victim surveys to gain a more accurate understanding of crime trends.1