Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Which of the following is a reason why victims fail to report crimes?

1. They are intimidated by (or afraid of) the offender

2. They may hope to avoid embarrassing the offender

3. They may consider the crime insignificant and not worth reporting

4. All of the answers are correct

The correct answer is: All of the answers are correct

Victims often face multiple psychological, social, and personal barriers that can discourage them from reporting crimes. Each of the reasons mentioned in the options highlights a different aspect of victim behavior. Victims may feel intimidated or afraid of the offender, leading to a fear of retaliation or further victimization. This intimidation can create a significant emotional toll that discourages individuals from coming forward. Individuals might also hesitate to report a crime due to concerns about embarrassing the offender. This is especially common in cases involving acquaintances or family members, where victims may feel conflicted about the repercussions on the offender’s reputation or wellbeing. Additionally, victims may perceive the crime as insignificant or trivial, leading them to believe that reporting it would be unnecessary or not worth the effort. This attitude can stem from feelings of shame or a belief that the justice system will not take their claims seriously. Since all these factors can influence a victim's decision to report a crime, the correct answer encompasses the totality of these concerns, indicating that each reason contributes to the broader understanding of why crimes often go unreported.