Reasons why crimes are Unreported

Question 1

What are personal reasons for not reporting crime?

Answer 1

• Fear
• Shame
• Disinterest
• Not affected by the crime

Question 2

Why might fear stop people from reporting crime?

Answer 2

• May be concerned about if there will be reprisal.
• Victims may know the offenders and might lead to further actions against them.
• Possible consequences for their families.
  For example: rape, molestation, domestic abuse etc.

Question 3

Why might shame stop people from reporting crime?

Answer 3

• Victim may be embarrassed that it happened to them. - Scared to report because of how it makes them feel and/or how it makes them appear to others.
• Some people prefer to suffer in silence.
• May blame themselves.
• Crime was committed by a family member.
  For example: Rape, murder, honour crime etc.

Question 4

Why might disinterest stop people from reporting crime?

Answer 4

Those who witness it may not be bothered by it.

For example: Under-age drinking etc.

Question 5

Why might people not affected by the crime causing underreporting of a crime?

Answer 5

May not be the victim of the crime so won’t be reported.

Question 6

What are social and cultural reasons for not reporting crime?

Answer 6

• Lack of knowledge
• Complexity
• Lack of media interest
• Lack of current public concern
• Culture-bound crime

Question 7

Why might lack of knowledge cause underreporting of a crime?

Answer 7

• Don’t know that an action is against the law
• Don’t know how to report the crime
  For example: hate crime, honour crime etc.

Question 8

Why might complexity cause underreporting of a crime?

Answer 8

Some crimes may complex and it can be difficult to tell whether a crime is being committed.

Question 9

Why might lack of media interest stop people reporting a crime?

Answer 9

• Much of our knowledge of crimes are through media coverage.
• Crimes that are not in the spotlight may not be reported.
  For example: white collar rime etc.

Question 10

Why might lack of current public concern stop people reporting a crime?

Answer 10

If the crime is not a concern to the public it won’t be reported.
For example: underage drinking, honour crime, prostitution etc.

Question 11

Why might culture-bound crime be underreported?

Answer 11

Cultural practices of some groups may break the law. So, members in the community may not report it. They also may feel there will be consequences if they report a crime from their community,