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Why People Don't Report Crimes: Exploring Social and Personal Reasons

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Katelyn Wakefield

23/11/2025

Criminology

AC 1.2

4,991

23 Nov 2025

4 pages

Why People Don't Report Crimes: Exploring Social and Personal Reasons

Unreported crimes remain a significant challenge in criminal justice, driven... Show more

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<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

Personal Reasons for Unreported Crime

This section delves into the personal factors that prevent individuals from reporting crimes, particularly focusing on fear, shame, and disinterest as primary deterrents.

Example: In cases of domestic abuse, victims often remain silent due to emotional attachment to their abusers or fear of homelessness.

Highlight: Fear of reprisal in the workplace and other settings can significantly impact crime reporting decisions.

Quote: "Male victims of abuse may be particularly embarrassed" - highlighting how gender stereotypes affect reporting rates.

Vocabulary: Culture-bound crime refers to criminal activities that may be considered acceptable within certain cultural or religious contexts.


<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

Social and Cultural Barriers to Crime Reporting

The complexity of modern crime and social attitudes significantly influence reporting behaviors. This section examines how social and cultural factors affect crime reporting rates.

Definition: Perceived victimless crimes are offenses where the harm isn't immediately apparent or where both parties appear to consent.

Example: White-collar crimes often go unreported due to their complex nature and the difficulty in detecting fraudulent transactions.

Highlight: Lack of knowledge about legal procedures and reporting mechanisms creates significant barriers to crime reporting.

Quote: "People may not be aware that a particular action is against the law and so they do not consider reporting it."


<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

Social and Cultural Impediments to Crime Reporting

The complexity of modern crime and social awareness significantly impact reporting behaviors. Many potential crimes go unreported due to knowledge gaps and social perceptions.

Vocabulary: White-collar crime refers to financially motivated, nonviolent crime typically committed by business and government professionals.

Example: Online harassment often goes unreported because victims may not know the proper reporting procedures or relevant authorities.

Highlight: Perceived victimless crimes, such as vagrancy and prostitution, often go unreported due to public sympathy or indifference.


<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

Understanding Crime Reporting Fundamentals

The concept of unreported crime forms a crucial part of criminological study, focusing on incidents that never reach official statistics. This section explains the fundamental requirements for crime recording and introduces the concept of the dark figure of crime.

Definition: The dark figure of crime refers to criminal activities that remain unreported and unrecorded in official statistics.

Highlight: For a crime to be officially recorded, it must meet four essential criteria: it must be illegal, someone must be aware of it, it must be reported, and law enforcement must record it.

Example: A person might be unaware they're a victim of identity theft, preventing the crime from being reported and investigated.



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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Criminology

4,991

23 Nov 2025

4 pages

Why People Don't Report Crimes: Exploring Social and Personal Reasons

Unreported crimes remain a significant challenge in criminal justice, driven by various personal, social, and cultural factors that deter victims from seeking help.

  • Personal reasons for not reporting crime include fear of reprisal, shame, and emotional attachments to perpetrators
  • Social... Show more


<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

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Personal Reasons for Unreported Crime

This section delves into the personal factors that prevent individuals from reporting crimes, particularly focusing on fear, shame, and disinterest as primary deterrents.

Example: In cases of domestic abuse, victims often remain silent due to emotional attachment to their abusers or fear of homelessness.

Highlight: Fear of reprisal in the workplace and other settings can significantly impact crime reporting decisions.

Quote: "Male victims of abuse may be particularly embarrassed" - highlighting how gender stereotypes affect reporting rates.

Vocabulary: Culture-bound crime refers to criminal activities that may be considered acceptable within certain cultural or religious contexts.


<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Social and Cultural Barriers to Crime Reporting

The complexity of modern crime and social attitudes significantly influence reporting behaviors. This section examines how social and cultural factors affect crime reporting rates.

Definition: Perceived victimless crimes are offenses where the harm isn't immediately apparent or where both parties appear to consent.

Example: White-collar crimes often go unreported due to their complex nature and the difficulty in detecting fraudulent transactions.

Highlight: Lack of knowledge about legal procedures and reporting mechanisms creates significant barriers to crime reporting.

Quote: "People may not be aware that a particular action is against the law and so they do not consider reporting it."


<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Social and Cultural Impediments to Crime Reporting

The complexity of modern crime and social awareness significantly impact reporting behaviors. Many potential crimes go unreported due to knowledge gaps and social perceptions.

Vocabulary: White-collar crime refers to financially motivated, nonviolent crime typically committed by business and government professionals.

Example: Online harassment often goes unreported because victims may not know the proper reporting procedures or relevant authorities.

Highlight: Perceived victimless crimes, such as vagrancy and prostitution, often go unreported due to public sympathy or indifference.


<p>Crimes can only be investigated and solved if they are reported to the police. There are many reasons why crime is not reported. For exa

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Understanding Crime Reporting Fundamentals

The concept of unreported crime forms a crucial part of criminological study, focusing on incidents that never reach official statistics. This section explains the fundamental requirements for crime recording and introduces the concept of the dark figure of crime.

Definition: The dark figure of crime refers to criminal activities that remain unreported and unrecorded in official statistics.

Highlight: For a crime to be officially recorded, it must meet four essential criteria: it must be illegal, someone must be aware of it, it must be reported, and law enforcement must record it.

Example: A person might be unaware they're a victim of identity theft, preventing the crime from being reported and investigated.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user