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31 Dec 2025
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Understanding Unreported Crimes: Factors and Examples
Work n get them A*s
@akeoswell_boaa
1 / 3
Personal Barriers to Crime Reporting
Fear is probably the biggest reason people stay silent about crimes. Victims of domestic abuse or hate crimes often worry about what the offender might do to them or their family if they speak up - it's a proper catch-22 situation.
Shame and embarrassment keep many victims quiet, especially with sexual crimes like rape. People worry about being judged or blamed, or they feel embarrassed that they couldn't protect themselves. It's completely unfair, but these feelings are really powerful.
Sometimes people just don't care enough to get involved (disinterest), like walking past someone causing trouble but not wanting the hassle. Others avoid reporting because they're not directly affected - why risk getting involved in vandalism on someone else's property when it might put your own family at risk?
Remember: These barriers are psychological and completely understandable - victims aren't being weak or selfish, they're often protecting themselves in the only way they know how.
Social and Cultural Factors
Lack of knowledge plays a huge role, especially for people from different cultural backgrounds who might not realise something counts as a crime in the UK. Take cyber-bullying - it's massive among teenagers using phones and computers, but not everyone knows it's actually illegal.
The complexity of modern crimes, particularly white-collar computer crimes, means ordinary people often don't even realise they're witnessing criminal activity. If you can't understand what's happening, how can you report it?
Media coverage and public concern shape what gets reported too. A murder in a busy area gets loads of attention, but crimes like prostitution barely register. People also don't report things they don't see as "real crimes" - like downloading music illegally, which most people do without thinking twice.
Culture-bound crimes create the trickiest situations. Some practices that are illegal in the UK might be accepted in certain cultures or religions, like honour crimes or witchcraft, making people reluctant to report what they see as normal behaviour.
Key insight: What counts as a "crime" isn't always obvious - it depends on your background, knowledge, and cultural perspective.
Specific Crime Examples and Victimless Crimes
Different crimes have their own reporting challenges. Common assault often goes unreported because people think police won't take it seriously. Domestic abuse victims worry about appearing weak, whilst vandalism seems too minor to bother with.
Rape remains heavily under-reported due to shame and the trauma of having to discuss intimate details with strangers. These personal crimes carry way more emotional baggage than property crimes.
Perceived victimless crimes are particularly interesting because they challenge what we think crime actually is. White-collar crimes often go unnoticed, vagrancy (sleeping rough) seems more like a social problem than a crime, and prostitution doesn't obviously harm anyone else.
Assisted suicide is the ultimate example - when the "victim" actually wants the action to happen, the whole concept of crime gets blurry. The law even recognises this complexity by sometimes choosing not to prosecute in certain circumstances.
Think about it: If there's no clear victim, is it still really a crime? These cases show how complicated the relationship between law and morality can be.
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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
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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.
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
Understanding Unreported Crimes: Factors and Examples
Work n get them A*s
@akeoswell_boaa
Ever wonder why some crimes never make it to the police? There's actually loads of reasons why people don't report crimes they've witnessed or experienced, ranging from personal fears to cultural differences that make situations way more complicated than you'd... Show more
Personal Barriers to Crime Reporting
Fear is probably the biggest reason people stay silent about crimes. Victims of domestic abuse or hate crimes often worry about what the offender might do to them or their family if they speak up - it's a proper catch-22 situation.
Shame and embarrassment keep many victims quiet, especially with sexual crimes like rape. People worry about being judged or blamed, or they feel embarrassed that they couldn't protect themselves. It's completely unfair, but these feelings are really powerful.
Sometimes people just don't care enough to get involved (disinterest), like walking past someone causing trouble but not wanting the hassle. Others avoid reporting because they're not directly affected - why risk getting involved in vandalism on someone else's property when it might put your own family at risk?
Remember: These barriers are psychological and completely understandable - victims aren't being weak or selfish, they're often protecting themselves in the only way they know how.
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Improve your grades
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Social and Cultural Factors
Lack of knowledge plays a huge role, especially for people from different cultural backgrounds who might not realise something counts as a crime in the UK. Take cyber-bullying - it's massive among teenagers using phones and computers, but not everyone knows it's actually illegal.
The complexity of modern crimes, particularly white-collar computer crimes, means ordinary people often don't even realise they're witnessing criminal activity. If you can't understand what's happening, how can you report it?
Media coverage and public concern shape what gets reported too. A murder in a busy area gets loads of attention, but crimes like prostitution barely register. People also don't report things they don't see as "real crimes" - like downloading music illegally, which most people do without thinking twice.
Culture-bound crimes create the trickiest situations. Some practices that are illegal in the UK might be accepted in certain cultures or religions, like honour crimes or witchcraft, making people reluctant to report what they see as normal behaviour.
Key insight: What counts as a "crime" isn't always obvious - it depends on your background, knowledge, and cultural perspective.
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
Specific Crime Examples and Victimless Crimes
Different crimes have their own reporting challenges. Common assault often goes unreported because people think police won't take it seriously. Domestic abuse victims worry about appearing weak, whilst vandalism seems too minor to bother with.
Rape remains heavily under-reported due to shame and the trauma of having to discuss intimate details with strangers. These personal crimes carry way more emotional baggage than property crimes.
Perceived victimless crimes are particularly interesting because they challenge what we think crime actually is. White-collar crimes often go unnoticed, vagrancy (sleeping rough) seems more like a social problem than a crime, and prostitution doesn't obviously harm anyone else.
Assisted suicide is the ultimate example - when the "victim" actually wants the action to happen, the whole concept of crime gets blurry. The law even recognises this complexity by sometimes choosing not to prosecute in certain circumstances.
Think about it: If there's no clear victim, is it still really a crime? These cases show how complicated the relationship between law and morality can be.
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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Most popular content: White-collar Crime
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
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