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Criminology
13 Dec 2025
809
3 pages
Jessica Blackhurst @essicalackhurst_sbvp
Ever wondered why crime statistics don't tell the whole story? Loads of crimes never get reported to police,... Show more
Fear is one of the biggest barriers stopping victims from reporting crimes. This isn't just about being scared of the offender - victims often worry about what might happen to their families too. Domestic abuse cases frequently go unreported because victims fear retaliation, and the same applies to honour crimes and hate crimes.
Shame and embarrassment play a massive role, especially in sexual crimes like rape or indecent assault. Victims might feel vulnerable and simply don't want others to know what happened to them. This emotional response can be so powerful that it overrides the desire for justice.
Sometimes people just don't care enough to report certain crimes - what criminologists call disinterest. You've probably walked past someone who's clearly drunk or high and done nothing about it. When crimes don't personally affect us, we're much more likely to assume "someone else will deal with it."
Remember Personal reasons for not reporting crime often involve complex emotions that can't be easily overcome with simple solutions.
Lack of knowledge creates a huge gap in crime reporting. If you don't realise something is actually illegal, you're obviously not going to report it. White collar crime is a perfect example - these complex financial crimes are so well-hidden and difficult to understand that most people can't even spot when they're happening.
Media attention massively influences what gets reported. Murder cases get wall-to-wall coverage, but crimes with less dramatic appeal often get ignored. There's also the issue of public concern - many people don't see downloading music illegally or smoking cannabis as "real" crimes worth reporting.
Culture-bound crimes present perhaps the trickiest challenge. Some acts that are criminal in UK law might be accepted or even expected in certain cultural communities. Honour-based violence is a stark example where cultural acceptance can prevent reporting, even when observers from other backgrounds might want to intervene.
Common assault often goes unreported because victims think police won't take threats seriously unless actual physical harm occurs. A threat like "I'm going to get you" might feel minor at the time, but could escalate later.
Key insight Social barriers to reporting crime often reflect broader issues about education, media representation, and cultural understanding.
Domestic abuse creates particularly complex reporting barriers. Victims often still love or care for their abuser and don't want them arrested. Children complicate matters further - victims might prioritise keeping the family together or worry about having nowhere else to live. The fear of escalated violence after reporting adds another devastating layer.
Vandalism and criminal damage highlight how personal impact affects reporting behaviour. If it's not your property being damaged, you're far less likely to bother calling police. Graffiti might annoy you, but most people just walk on by rather than report it.
Rape remains severely underreported due to its intimate nature and the trauma of reliving the experience. Male victims face additional barriers because social expectations suggest they should have been able to prevent the attack. This toxic thinking prevents many from seeking help or justice.
Perceived victimless crimes create their own reporting challenges. White collar crimes are so secretive and complex that victims often don't even know they've been targeted. Similarly, people rarely report homelessness or prostitution because they either don't realise these activities are illegal or feel sympathetic rather than concerned.
Think about it Understanding why crimes go unreported helps explain why official statistics never capture the full picture of criminal activity in society.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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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Explore the various reasons why certain crimes remain unreported, including personal, social, and cultural factors. This summary highlights the consequences for victims and discusses the complexities surrounding crimes like domestic abuse, hate crimes, and white-collar crime. Ideal for criminology students seeking to understand the sociological implications of unreported crime.
CriminologyGoes through personal reasons why crime is unreported, and also social and cultural reasons.
CriminologyExplore the reasons behind unreported crimes in the UK, focusing on personal, social, and cultural factors. This summary covers key concepts such as the 'dark figure of crime', victim fears, societal indifference, and cultural norms that contribute to underreporting. Ideal for criminology students studying crime and deviance.
CriminologyAC1.2 - Unreported crime
CriminologyExplore the multifaceted consequences of unreported crime, including the ripple effect on communities, cultural influences on crime reporting, and the impact of legal and procedural changes. This summary delves into the prioritization of police resources, the dark figure of crime, and the societal acceptance of certain offenses. Ideal for criminology students studying the complexities of crime reporting and its implications.
CriminologyUnit 1.1 notes for the Criminology controlled assessment
CriminologyApp Store
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
Jessica Blackhurst
@essicalackhurst_sbvp
Ever wondered why crime statistics don't tell the whole story? Loads of crimes never get reported to police, creating what criminologists call the "dark figure of crime" - incidents that happen but remain invisible in official records.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Fear is one of the biggest barriers stopping victims from reporting crimes. This isn't just about being scared of the offender - victims often worry about what might happen to their families too. Domestic abuse cases frequently go unreported because victims fear retaliation, and the same applies to honour crimes and hate crimes.
Shame and embarrassment play a massive role, especially in sexual crimes like rape or indecent assault. Victims might feel vulnerable and simply don't want others to know what happened to them. This emotional response can be so powerful that it overrides the desire for justice.
Sometimes people just don't care enough to report certain crimes - what criminologists call disinterest. You've probably walked past someone who's clearly drunk or high and done nothing about it. When crimes don't personally affect us, we're much more likely to assume "someone else will deal with it."
Remember: Personal reasons for not reporting crime often involve complex emotions that can't be easily overcome with simple solutions.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lack of knowledge creates a huge gap in crime reporting. If you don't realise something is actually illegal, you're obviously not going to report it. White collar crime is a perfect example - these complex financial crimes are so well-hidden and difficult to understand that most people can't even spot when they're happening.
Media attention massively influences what gets reported. Murder cases get wall-to-wall coverage, but crimes with less dramatic appeal often get ignored. There's also the issue of public concern - many people don't see downloading music illegally or smoking cannabis as "real" crimes worth reporting.
Culture-bound crimes present perhaps the trickiest challenge. Some acts that are criminal in UK law might be accepted or even expected in certain cultural communities. Honour-based violence is a stark example where cultural acceptance can prevent reporting, even when observers from other backgrounds might want to intervene.
Common assault often goes unreported because victims think police won't take threats seriously unless actual physical harm occurs. A threat like "I'm going to get you" might feel minor at the time, but could escalate later.
Key insight: Social barriers to reporting crime often reflect broader issues about education, media representation, and cultural understanding.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Domestic abuse creates particularly complex reporting barriers. Victims often still love or care for their abuser and don't want them arrested. Children complicate matters further - victims might prioritise keeping the family together or worry about having nowhere else to live. The fear of escalated violence after reporting adds another devastating layer.
Vandalism and criminal damage highlight how personal impact affects reporting behaviour. If it's not your property being damaged, you're far less likely to bother calling police. Graffiti might annoy you, but most people just walk on by rather than report it.
Rape remains severely underreported due to its intimate nature and the trauma of reliving the experience. Male victims face additional barriers because social expectations suggest they should have been able to prevent the attack. This toxic thinking prevents many from seeking help or justice.
Perceived victimless crimes create their own reporting challenges. White collar crimes are so secretive and complex that victims often don't even know they've been targeted. Similarly, people rarely report homelessness or prostitution because they either don't realise these activities are illegal or feel sympathetic rather than concerned.
Think about it: Understanding why crimes go unreported helps explain why official statistics never capture the full picture of criminal activity in society.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
17
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the various reasons why certain crimes remain unreported, including personal, social, and cultural factors. This summary highlights the consequences for victims and discusses the complexities surrounding crimes like domestic abuse, hate crimes, and white-collar crime. Ideal for criminology students seeking to understand the sociological implications of unreported crime.
CriminologyGoes through personal reasons why crime is unreported, and also social and cultural reasons.
CriminologyExplore the reasons behind unreported crimes in the UK, focusing on personal, social, and cultural factors. This summary covers key concepts such as the 'dark figure of crime', victim fears, societal indifference, and cultural norms that contribute to underreporting. Ideal for criminology students studying crime and deviance.
CriminologyAC1.2 - Unreported crime
CriminologyExplore the multifaceted consequences of unreported crime, including the ripple effect on communities, cultural influences on crime reporting, and the impact of legal and procedural changes. This summary delves into the prioritization of police resources, the dark figure of crime, and the societal acceptance of certain offenses. Ideal for criminology students studying the complexities of crime reporting and its implications.
CriminologyUnit 1.1 notes for the Criminology controlled assessment
CriminologyApp Store
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
