Why might crimes go unreported?

Question	Answer
Unreported crime is where...	individuals do not report or inform the police when a certain crime has been committed.
The Dark Figure of Crime is...	the amount of unreported or unknown crimes.
Why might crime go unreported?	Cultural Fear Ashamed Trust in police Disinterested Not affected Family Don't see it as a crime
Why do you think unreporting of crime is problematic?	It happens a lot and no one gets the justice they deserve.
Why might someone not report a crime because of fear?	The victim of a crime may be concerned that there will be reprisals if they report to the police. If the victim knows the offender then they may be afraid that reporting the crime will just make it worse.
What is an example of someone not reporting a crime because of fear?	Sexual abuse, rape.
Why might someone not report a crime because of shame?	Being the victim of a crime can lead to embarrassment or shame. The victim may not want to admit what crime was been used against them because they may not want to relive it or they are scared of how they will be viewed by society.
What is an example of someone not reporting a crime because of shame?	Domestic abuse, rape.,
Why might someone not report a crime because of disinterest?	A crime may go unreported because those who witnessed the crime may be unconcerned or disinterested. This could be because it is 'normalised' by society as a whole.
What is an example of someone not reporting a crime because of disinterest?	Underage drinking.
Why might someone not report a crime if they are not affected?	A crime may go unreported because those who witnessed the crime may not be affected unless it becomes problematic. This could be because it is 'normalised' by society as a whole.
What is an example of someone not reporting a crime because they are unaffected?	Robbery, underage drinking.
Why might someone with lack of knowledge not report a crime?	The witness to the crime may not know whether the act is truly against the law or not. The witness may also not have the knowledge of how to report a crime.
What is an example of someone with lack of knowledge not reporting a crime?	Young age.
Why might someone not report a crime due to complexity?	Some crimes are very complex and it can be difficult to tell whether or not a crime is actually being committed.
What is an example of someone not reporting a crime due to complexity?	White-Collar crime and Honour crime.
Why might someone not report a crime due to lack of media coverage?	Much of our knowledge is gained by social media as it increases people's awareness to what crimes are being committed. Conversely, crimes that are not in the media spotlight may not get the police's attention.
Why might someone not report a crime due to lack of current public concern?	If a crime is not causing public concern then it is less likely to be reported to the police.
What is an example of someone not reporting a crime due to lack of current public concern?	For example, public attitudes towards cannabis have changed over the years.
What are Honour Crimes?	Acts of violence, usually murder, committed by male family members against female family members who are perceived 'dishonoured'.
Why might Honour Crime not be reported?	Because of direct and indirect support among village residents.
What is Common Assault?	Committed by a person who causes another person to apprehend the immediate use of unlawful violence by the defendant.
Why might Common Assault go unreported?	Because some victims feel it is pointless to involve the police if there has been no personal injury or damage to property.
What is Domestic Abuse?	Involves use of violence, abuse or threatening behaviour against a partner, ex-partner or family member.
Why might Domestic Abuse go unreported?	Because the victim could be ashamed of way is happening to them and they don't want to get the offender into trouble.
What is Vandalism?	Action involving deliberate destruction of damage to public or private property.
Why might Vandalism go unreported?	Because many people have little faith that the criminal will be caught.
What are White Collar Crimes?	Crimes that are committed by people who are position of authority or power.
Why might White Collar Crimes go unreported?	Because they can be difficult to detect and prosecute. Some of these crimes aren't even discovered by the victim.
What is Vagrancy?	A state or action of one who has no established home and drifts from place to place without visible or lawful means of support.
Why might Vagrancy go unreported?	Because people are unaware that sleeping rough is a crime so sympathy prevents them from reporting it.
What is Prostitution?	The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment.
Why might Prostitution go unreported?	Because of belief that they will not be taken seriously by the police as they work in prostitution and will face censorious attitudes.
What is Assisted Suicide?	Suicide effected with the assistance of another person.
Why might Assisted Suicide go unreported?	Because the vast majority of the public support that it should be their own choice.
What is Witchcraft?	The practice of magic, especially for evil purposes; the use of spells.

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Why might crimes go unreported?

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	Created by Katie-Louise Brady about 2 years ago