A study by the journal of clinical psychiatry reports that only 18% of rape cases against women were reported and only 11% of sexual assaults were reported. The article below explains why women don’t report sexual assault.
1. Unacknowledged Rape
Laura C. Wilson, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Mary Washington, conducted a meta-analytic study and found many women fail to report cases of rape or assault because they do not view what happened to them as rape or assault. Professor Wilson’s study examined 28 studies, which focused on 5,917 women who had been raped at one point in their life after the age of 14. 60.4% of victims did not recognize their experience as rape, even though their experience matches the definition of rape. Rape is defined as an unwanted sexual experience obtained through force or the threat of force or a sexual experience an individual did not consent to due to incapacitation.
Related: Was I Sexually Assaulted? Take the Quiz
2. Social Repercussions
Another study by psychologist Karen G Weiss found that many individuals, specifically teens who experience sexual assault, trivialize the experience. Weiss collected data between the years of 1992 to 2000. 91% of victims of sexual assault were female in the data collected by Weiss. A key finding of her study was that victims of sexual assault rarely report it. 5% of sexual assault events are reported to the police and 25% are reported other authority figures, such as school officials or employers. Many individuals do not report the assault for two primary reasons according to Weiss’s findings: (1) Uncertain that the incidents are real crimes and (2) indifference towards the sexual assault caused by fear of losing friends, family approval, and other forms of social retaliation.
3. Embarrassment or Shame
Another study conducted by Weiss in 2010 found that shame and embarrassment are culturally imbued into people who experience sexual assault. Weiss examined statements made by victims of sexual assault, as well as survey data provided by the FBI from 1992 to 2000. Weiss found many respondents expressed shame as part of their description of what happened and how that played a role in not reporting the incident. In at least 13% of incidents, victims made some sort of reference to shame. Women’s responses specifically drew upon certain cultural assumptions, such as how good girls should behave and how bad girls will be judged for being victims of sexual assault.
4. Fear of Not Being Believed
A research team from the University of Missouri-Columbia studied a group of students from Midwestern University. Students included confidentiality concerns and fear of not being believed as some of the most common answers for not reporting sexual assault or rape.
5. Lack of Financial Independence
Lack of resources to obtain help and financial dependence on the perpetrator are both very common reasons as to why many women do not report sexual assault.
6. Feelings of Hopelessness and Helplessness
Many women do not report cases of sexual assault because they have developed learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is a condition that causes a person to suffer from a sense of powerlessness, usually derived from a traumatic experience. Many victims of sexual assault consistently relive/experience sexual assault, slowly causing them to believe there is not a potential alternative. When combined with feelings of shame, fear of being judged, financial dependence, the feeling of helplessness can fester. Psychologist Steven Meier contributed a large body of evidence to the study of learned helplessness.
FAQS
How do I know if I’ve been sexually assaulted?
If you feel that you were forced or coerced into a sexual act, then you may be a victim of sexual harassment.
Related: Was I Sexually Assaulted? Take the Quiz
How can I report a case of sexual assault?
You can either go to the police, your local courthouse, your employer, or a reliable authority figure at your school.
Can I file a restraining order against my abuser?
A victim can file a restraining order against their abuser at their local courthouse. Ensure that you serve all involved parties with proper court documents and court dates.
Related: Restraining Order in California: What You Need to Know
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one would like to know more about reporting sexual assault in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our California Sexual Assault Attorneys today!