Why Do Some Women Not Report Sexual Assaults and Rape to the Police?

One of the primary reasons that some women do not report sexual assaults and rape is the pervasive fear of not being believed.

And whilst it cannot be overlooked that whilst some people may start to shift their fear of not being believed, some do not. And it’s also important to note that this fear could be fed by those around the victim, including the perpetrator. 

This fear of not being believed is compounded by the societal stigma surrounding sexual violence, which often places the burden of proof on the victim rather than the perpetrator.

Many women worry that they will be judged, blamed, or shamed for the incident, leading them to stay silent.

According to a survey by the Office for National Statistics, around 83% of victims do not report their experiences to the police, partly due to concerns about not being taken seriously or being blamed for the assault.

The Emotional and Psychological Impact of Sexual Assault

Another significant barrier is the emotional and psychological impact of the assault itself.

Trauma can manifest as shock, denial, or severe anxiety, making it difficult for victims to come forward. Rape Crisis England & Wales reports that survivors often experience a profound sense of powerlessness and fear of re-traumatisation through the reporting process.

The prospect of reliving the trauma during police interviews and court proceedings can be incredibly daunting.

Lack of Trust in the Justice System

Additionally, for some women and girls, there is a lack of trust in the criminal justice system. Many women feel that the system is biased against them and that the likelihood of securing a conviction is low.

Home Office statistics show that only 1.3-1.6% of reported rapes result in a charge or summons.

Although it is increasing and we are seeing more sexual offences successfully getting to court and securing convictions, this low rate of successful prosecutions can discourage victims from coming forward, as individuals may perceive the effort and the emotional toll of reporting, ultimately, as being futile.

Concerns About the Judicial Process 

Alongside a lack of trust in the justice system are overall concerned about the judicial process. This is because the judicial process for handling sexual violence cases can be daunting and re-traumatising for many victims.

A report by the HMICFRS revealed that many women felt that the police response to their initial report was poor, citing issues such as a lack of empathy and understanding. 

Moreover, the duration of the judicial process can also be a significant barrier.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reports that the average time from report to completion in rape cases is well over a year. This prolonged process can exacerbate the victim’s trauma and discourage them from pursuing their complaint.

Self-Blame

Self-blame for being in their situation can also contribute to underreporting of sexual offences.

Some women end up believing that they brought on an assault themselves.

I certainly believed this for years; that if I hadn’t drunk as much, if I hadn’t talked with him that night, if my skirt hadn’t been as short, then maybe none of it would have happened.

But the reality is, and as I continue to say, sexual violence is never the fault of the victim. Someone chooses to commit an act of sexual violence, no one chooses to be the victim of a sexual offence.

Insecurity With Making a Formal Complaint 

Many women and girls in the UK feel insecure about reporting sexual violence, and this often leads to the withdrawal of formal complaints.

This insecurity and subsequent withdrawal can be attributed to various factors, including fear of not being believed, concerns about the judicial process, societal stigma, and personal trauma.

The Statistics Stacked Against You

We’ve already mentioned the appallingly low conviction rate for rapes reported to the police results in a charge or summons in England and Wales.

To put these statistics into a different context, for every 100 rapes, less than two will end in a conviction.

67,928 rapes were reported in the UK in 2023-2024. So, assuming a continuing trend, that means that statistically speaking, every year, over 66,500 victims of sexual assault will never see justice be serviced.

And these statistics are only for rape; they don’t cover other sexual assaults.

This statistic alone can deter many victims from coming forward, as the chances of achieving justice appear minimal. 

A study by Rape Crisis England & Wales found that 40% of victims did not report their assault to the police because they believed it would be too embarrassing. This belief is often reinforced by media reports and anecdotal evidence of victims being dismissed or their credibility being questioned.

Societal Stigma and Victim-Blaming 

Societal attitudes towards sexual violence can heavily influence a victim’s decision to report to the police.

Victim blaming is a prevalent issue, where victims are often held responsible for the assault based on their behaviour, clothing, or lifestyle.

A YouGov survey found that 38% of respondents believed that women who flirt heavily on a night out are partially to blame if they are sexually assaulted.

Such attitudes can create a hostile environment for victims, making women and girls reluctant to come forward and report what has happened to them. 

Personal Trauma and Emotional Impact 

The personal trauma and emotional impact of sexual violence cannot be underestimated.

The psychological effects, such as shame, guilt, and self-blame, can make it incredibly difficult for victims to report the crime.

According to the NHS, many survivors of sexual violence suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, which can impede their ability to engage with the legal system. 

A report by the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales highlights that many victims feel re-traumatised by the reporting process itself, which can involve recounting the assault multiple times and facing intense scrutiny.

This re-traumatisation can lead to the withdrawal of complaints, as victims prioritise their mental health over pursuing justice. 

Lack Of Support Services 

Access to adequate support services is crucial for victims of sexual violence.

However, many areas in the UK suffer from underfunded and overstretched services. The End Violence Against Women Coalition reports that funding cuts have led to reduced availability of specialist support services, such as SARCs and Rape Crisis centres.

Without sufficient support, victims can feel isolated and unable to navigate the reporting process, leading to a higher likelihood of withdrawing their complaints.