The criminal courts confront a double bind with regard to victims. On the one hand, victims are valued for the cases they bring to the system; their misfortunes become the raw material of the court process. On the other hand, individual victims represent a potential source of irrationality in the process. The personal and often emotional involvement of victims in the crime experience can generate particular demands for case outcomes that have little to do with the public interest.
-What percentage of all major crimes are never reported to the police?

Question

The criminal courts confront a double bind with regard to victims. On the one hand, victims are valued for the cases they bring to the system; their misfortunes become the raw material of the court process.  On the other hand, individual victims represent a potential source of irrationality in the process. The personal and often emotional involvement of victims in the crime experience can generate particular demands for case outcomes that have little to do with the public interest.
-What percentage of all major crimes are never reported to the police?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Studies and surveys have shown that a significant percentage of major crimes, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and robbery, are not reported to the police. The exact percentage varies depending on the source and methodology of the research, but it is generally agreed that more than half of all major crimes are never reported. Factors that contribute to underreporting include fear of retaliation, distrust of the police, shame, and cultural barriers.

The Criminal Courts Confront a Double Bind with Regard to Victims