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Reasons Why Survivors of Gender-based Violence may Feel Hesitant to Report Human Rights Violation

Reasons Why Survivors of Gender-based Violence may Feel Hesitant to Report Human Rights Violation If you have not experienced any form of gender-based harm, it might be hard to imagine why survivors who go through these horrific experiences do not always report them.  Unfortunately, due to the characteristics of one’s s3xual harm experience, the lack of protection for survivors, and historical injustices within the criminal-legal system, gender-based violence is the most underreported crime. For example, it is estimated that 63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police and only 12% of child sexual abuse is reported to the authorities.

There are many reasons why survivors may feel hesitant to report their experience. We will list a few of these reasons below:

1. It is not safe for them to report the assault at this time or they fear perpetrator or family retaliation.
2. They want to put the incident behind them or forget it happened.
3. They aren’t sure that what happened meets the legal definition of sexual assault or rape.
4. They are in shock.
5. They feel shame or self-blame.
6. They fear not being believed or being socially isolated from friends or family
7. They fear being blamed.
8. They fear being revictimized by law enforcement or the court.
9. They fear that they will not receive justice.
10. They fear that their offender will not be held accountable.

Additional Reasons & More Elaborations

Fear of Retaliation

One of the most significant deterrents for survivors of GBV is the fear of retaliation. The threat may come directly from the perpetrator, indirectly from their friends or family, or even from the broader community. Survivors may fear physical harm, harassment, further abuse, or even death if they disclose their experiences.

Stigmatization and Victim-Blaming

Cultural norms and societal attitudes often contribute to victim-blaming and stigmatization of GBV survivors. People may question what the survivor did to provoke the violence or make negative assumptions about their character or behavior. This societal shaming can make survivors reluctant to come forward, fearing judgment, isolation, or further harm.

Lack of Trust in the Justice System

Survivors often cite a lack of trust in the justice system as a reason for not reporting GBV. They may fear that they will not be believed, or that the system will not adequately protect them or punish the perpetrator. Additionally, the process of reporting can be traumatic, as survivors may have to recount their experiences multiple times to indifferent or skeptical authorities.

Economic Dependence

Economic factors can significantly influence a survivor’s decision to report GBV. If the perpetrator is a primary breadwinner in the household, survivors may fear economic instability or homelessness if they report the violence. This economic dependence can be a powerful barrier, especially for survivors with children or other dependents.

Lack of Awareness and Access to Services

Many survivors may not be aware of the resources available to them or how to access these services. This lack of knowledge can be especially pronounced in rural or marginalized communities with limited access to social services. Lack of accessible and safe transportation, language barriers, and other systemic obstacles can also prevent survivors from seeking help.

Psychological Barriers

The psychological impact of GBV can also hinder reporting. Feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame can be overwhelming, leading survivors to remain silent. Additionally, trauma can cause dissociation or repressed memories, which can make it difficult for survivors to articulate their experiences.

Wrap Up

Whatever the reason, and there are many, remember that it is ultimately up to the victim to decide whether or not to report their incident. Some people do not need to report since they are mending. Others simply do not want to go through any more hardship or suffering. Support and respect the reporting decisions made by survivors in your life. This will make you a valued ally as they navigate the healing process.

References

Rennison, C. A. (2002). Rape and sexual assault: Reporting to police and medical attention, 1992-2000 [NCJ 194530]. Retrieved from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/rsarp00.pdf

Hanson, R. F., Resnick, H. S., Saunders, B. E., Kilpatrick, D. G., & Best, C. (1999). Factors related to the reporting of childhood rape. Child Abuse and Neglect, 23,559–569. doi:10.1016/S0145-2134(99)00028-9

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