NCJ Number
98169
Journal
Journal of Social Issues Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (1984) Pages: 39-50
Date Published
1984
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article reviews emotional and cognitive reactions to criminal victimization.
Abstract
It draws connections between the contents of these reactions and victims' reluctance to report the crime to authorities. Since between one half and two thirds of all crimes are not so reported, understanding these connections is critical. We argue that nonreporting is the result of three factors acting singly or in concert: (a) victim fear, (b) feelings of helplessness and the perceived powerlessness of police, and (c) the threat of further victimization from authorities. We believe victims react in relatively rational ways. Despite the apparent loss of control and the strong fear engendered by the experience, the victimization does not lead people to report it to authorities. Instead, reporting to police is often realistically viewed by victims as ineffective and potentially costly. (Publisher abstract)