2.2 Describe factors that may impact the reporting of domestic abuse-related crimes

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Describe factors that may impact the reporting of domestic abuse-related crimes.

Domestic abuse can affect people in different ways. Reporting such crimes often depends on many personal, social and practical factors. These factors can limit or prevent a victim from speaking to the police or other authorities. Understanding these influences helps care workers support those affected and reduce barriers to reporting.

Fear of Retaliation

Many victims are afraid that their abuser will react violently or in another harmful way if they make a report. This fear can be strong if the abuser has made previous threats or has shown aggressive behaviour. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial or controlling.

Victims may believe that reporting will put them or their children at greater risk. They may fear damage to property, loss of income, or harm to pets. Some may worry the abuse will intensify immediately after the report is made. This fear can reduce trust in the reporting process.

Professionals must acknowledge these concerns by:

• Providing clear information on protection orders and police powers
• Guiding victims towards confidential support
• Explaining safety planning methods

Emotional Dependence on the Abuser

An abuser often isolates the victim from friends and family and reduces their independence. Over time, the victim may believe they cannot cope without the abuser. This dependence can be emotional, financial or practical.

Victims may feel a bond, love or loyalty towards the abuser despite the harm. They may hope the abuse will stop and the relationship will improve. This belief can prevent reporting because a victim might fear ruining the relationship or losing shared responsibilities such as parenting.

Financial Concerns

Reporting abuse can have major financial impacts. If the victim relies on the abuser for income, housing or childcare, they may fear losing this support. They may worry about affording rent or bills if the abuser leaves or is removed from the home.

Some abusers control all money, preventing victims from having their own funds. If money or access to accounts is restricted, the victim may feel trapped. This financial control is a form of abuse and can stop victims from seeking help.

Key financial barriers include:

• Loss of household income
• High cost of moving to safe accommodation
• Legal expenses
• Concern over childcare costs

Shame and Stigma

Domestic abuse is a sensitive subject. Victims may feel ashamed about being in an abusive situation. They might worry about how others will see them or fear being judged as weak. Some communities have strong cultural or religious expectations about relationships. In these cases, reporting abuse may be seen as wrong or unacceptable.

Shame can stop victims from discussing their experience. They may hide abuse to protect their family’s reputation or avoid gossip. Where stigma is strong, victims may also struggle to find sympathetic support in their local area.

Lack of Knowledge About Support and Legal Rights

If a victim does not know that certain behaviours are forms of abuse, they may not realise that they can report them. They might believe only serious injuries count as domestic abuse crimes.

Raising awareness about different forms of abuse is important. For example, coercive control became a criminal offence in England and Wales in 2015. Many people are unaware that controlling finances, isolating someone, or constant criticism can be part of this offence.

Care workers can help by:

• Explaining different types of abuse
• Sharing contact details for domestic abuse helplines
• Describing the reporting process and victim rights

Cultural and Religious Influences

Some cultural beliefs promote family privacy over involving outside help. Victims from such backgrounds may be discouraged from reporting to the police, especially if it conflicts with traditions.

In certain religious communities, divorce or separation may be strongly disapproved of. Victims may fear losing community support or facing social punishment. Community leaders may try to resolve issues internally, which can prevent victims from accessing formal protection.

Limited Trust in Authorities

Past negative experiences with the police or social services can lead to mistrust. If victims feel previous reports were ignored or not taken seriously, they may decide it is not worth trying again.

Some victims, especially from minority ethnic backgrounds, may fear discrimination in the legal system. Others may be influenced by high-profile cases where victims were not protected despite reporting the abuse. These doubts can reduce confidence in formal reporting.

Professionals should work to rebuild trust by:

• Listening actively and respectfully
• Following up quickly on concerns
• Providing clear updates on actions taken

Control and Manipulation by the Abuser

Domestic abuse often involves manipulation. The abuser may threaten to harm themselves or others if the victim seeks help. They may spread lies to mutual friends, claim the victim is mentally unstable, or use children as leverage.

This manipulation can make reporting seem dangerous or pointless. The victim may worry the abuser will turn others against them or influence the authorities’ view of the situation. It is common for victims to doubt their own memory or judgement after years of emotional abuse.

Immigration Status and Legal Fears

Victims who are in the UK without secure immigration status may be afraid to report abuse. They might believe doing so will lead to deportation. If their visa status depends on the abuser, they may fear losing the right to stay in the country.

Uncertainty about legal protections for foreign nationals can be a major barrier. Workers should know about specialist services that support migrant victims and clarify rights under UK law. This includes protections offered under the Domestic Violence Concession and other relevant policies.

Isolation from Support Networks

Abusers often isolate their victims by limiting contact with friends, family or the wider community. Without a support network, victims may feel they have no one to help them through the reporting process or provide temporary shelter.

Isolation can make victims dependent on the abuser for social contact and daily living. This can feed a belief that the abuse is normal or unavoidable. Breaking isolation is an important part of giving someone the confidence to report abuse.

Fear of Losing Children

Victims often worry that reporting abuse will lead to involvement from children’s services. They may fear their children will be removed from their care. If the abuser is the children’s other parent, the victim may fear losing custody or having to allow supervised contact.

This fear can lead victims to stay silent, even when the abuse is affecting the children. Clear guidance is needed to show how safeguarding can protect both the victim and their children.

Lack of Physical Evidence

Some victims believe they must have visible injuries or strong physical proof to make a report. Many forms of abuse leave no physical marks. Emotional abuse and controlling behaviour can be hard to prove without witness accounts or documentary evidence.

If victims think the police will not act without evidence, they may avoid reporting altogether. Workers can explain that patterns of behaviour, recorded incidents and testimonies can all be important parts of a case.

Confusion Over What Constitutes a Crime

Domestic abuse covers many different offences, including assault, criminal damage, harassment and coercive control. Victims may be unclear which parts of their experience count as criminal and which may be seen as non-criminal disputes.

This confusion can result in under-reporting. Public education campaigns and clear explanations from professionals can help make victims aware of the law in straightforward language.

Impact of Substance Use

Alcohol or drug use by either the victim or the abuser can affect reporting. Victims may feel they will not be taken seriously if they have been drinking or using drugs. They may fear judgement or legal trouble relating to their own use.

Substance use can also be linked with chaotic lifestyles, which can make planning to report more challenging. Support services should be prepared to help victims address these issues alongside the abuse.

Psychological Effects of Abuse

Domestic abuse often damages self-esteem and confidence. Victims may feel worthless, powerless or unable to make decisions. This can result from long-term emotional abuse, where the victim is repeatedly told they cannot survive on their own.

Low confidence can make tasks such as contacting the police seem overwhelming. Immediate emotional support, reassurance and practical guidance can help victims take steps towards reporting.

Final Thoughts

The decision to report domestic abuse-related crimes is shaped by many personal and external factors. Fear, financial pressures, cultural influences, manipulation and lack of knowledge can all prevent victims from speaking out. Care and social workers play a key role in listening without judgement, addressing misconceptions and giving practical help.

By recognising these barriers and taking time to explain support options, workers increase the likelihood that victims will feel able to report abuse. While every situation is different, clear information combined with emotional support can give victims the confidence to seek protection and justice.