AC1.2: Explain the reasons that certain
crimes go unreported
Assessment Criterion Mark Band 1 Mark Band 2
AC1.2 You should be able to: Reasons for unreported crimes
Clear and detailed explanation of
Explain the reasons that why are limited in explanation with
the reasons why a range of
certain crimes are unreported few relevant examples (1-2) crimes are unreported, using
relevant examples (3-4)
Amplification: You should have an understanding of the reasons why certain crimes are
not reported to the police.
Personal
e.g:
• Fear - Victims may be afraid of the potential consequences from the criminal or their
family. This could be because they might be physically intimidated by their abuser or
threatened. An example of this would be honour crime as people from the
community might not speak up if they see it taking place as they would face backlash
from the community.
• Shame - People might not want others to know about their vulnerability or are
unable to protect themselves. An example of this would be if sexual acts like rape
are committed on them it could be embarrasing for them to speak up about as they
feel responsible.
• Disinterest - People don’t always care about what has happened. This is because
there is a lack of impact on them and/ or it doesn’t affect them meaning that they’ll
take less interest in what has taken place. An example of this would be vagrancy,
drug use and moral crimes as it takes place so frequently.
• Not affected - If the crime does not concern someone, people leave it for others to
report it. For example, vandalism doesn’t concern some people if it’s not their
property being vandalised.
Social and Cultural
e.g.
• Lack of knowledge - people are not aware certain actions are a crime so they have
no idea how to report it. For example, vagrancy is considered a crime but the
majority are not aware it is a crime because it is seen everywhere. Other examples:
cyber bullying
• Complexity - The crime is so complicated that it's hard to understand and identify.
For example, white collar crime is hard to understand by the general public so they
are less likely to be reported.
crimes go unreported
Assessment Criterion Mark Band 1 Mark Band 2
AC1.2 You should be able to: Reasons for unreported crimes
Clear and detailed explanation of
Explain the reasons that why are limited in explanation with
the reasons why a range of
certain crimes are unreported few relevant examples (1-2) crimes are unreported, using
relevant examples (3-4)
Amplification: You should have an understanding of the reasons why certain crimes are
not reported to the police.
Personal
e.g:
• Fear - Victims may be afraid of the potential consequences from the criminal or their
family. This could be because they might be physically intimidated by their abuser or
threatened. An example of this would be honour crime as people from the
community might not speak up if they see it taking place as they would face backlash
from the community.
• Shame - People might not want others to know about their vulnerability or are
unable to protect themselves. An example of this would be if sexual acts like rape
are committed on them it could be embarrasing for them to speak up about as they
feel responsible.
• Disinterest - People don’t always care about what has happened. This is because
there is a lack of impact on them and/ or it doesn’t affect them meaning that they’ll
take less interest in what has taken place. An example of this would be vagrancy,
drug use and moral crimes as it takes place so frequently.
• Not affected - If the crime does not concern someone, people leave it for others to
report it. For example, vandalism doesn’t concern some people if it’s not their
property being vandalised.
Social and Cultural
e.g.
• Lack of knowledge - people are not aware certain actions are a crime so they have
no idea how to report it. For example, vagrancy is considered a crime but the
majority are not aware it is a crime because it is seen everywhere. Other examples:
cyber bullying
• Complexity - The crime is so complicated that it's hard to understand and identify.
For example, white collar crime is hard to understand by the general public so they
are less likely to be reported.
