ABSTRACTThis study determined the characteristics of people who do not report sex crimes using a hypothetical scenario. We conducted a web-based survey of adult men and women regarding whom they would report to if you or your family member were sexually victimized. To encourage participation, the question was hypothetical. Participants (N = 2,208; 51.5% men) could choose from nine people to report a hypothetical victimization. These response options included family members, coworkers, and friends as examples. Multiple choices were allowed. Participants’ social support, awareness of victim services, and confidence in social institutions were compared between those who chose and did not choose to report the hypothetical victimization. We conducted logistic regression analyses controlling for gender, age, and other demographics. Compared with those who would report, those who would not report had significantly lower social support (p < .001). Participants who would not report victimization also had less knowledge of victim consultation services and less confidence in social institutions. Although it is under a hypothetical situation, we also proposed that improving community awareness of crime victim support and reporting services can increase the likelihood that people will report sex crimes. The study also identified the need for training on support for victims of sexual crimes for the youth generation, who are considered to be less likely to report victimization than other generations.
Sasaki et al. (Tue,) studied this question.