Why do some victims choose not to report rape or sexual assault to police?

Victims of rape and sexual assault often choose not to report these crimes to the police due to the significant challenges inherent in the legal process. A primary deterrent is the nature of rape trials, where the determination of consent often leads to distressing cross-examinations of the victim in court.1

Furthermore, victims may be discouraged by the difficulty of proving a crime that typically lacks third-party witnesses. Historically, the testimony of women has sometimes been given less credence than that of men, contributing to higher-than-average rates of acquittal for those charged with rape. These systemic barriers, combined with the profound psychological trauma—including feelings of shame, humiliation, and vulnerability—result in the crime being significantly underreported and underprosecuted. While some jurisdictions have implemented rape shield laws to protect victims from invasive questioning regarding their sexual history, the fear of re-traumatization remains a major factor in the decision to remain silent.1