Exploring the reasons behind unreported sexual assaults

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the reasons behind the disturbingly high rates of unreported sexual assaults among the Maltese population. In order to reduce and hopefully eliminate such a phenomenon, one must therefore gather detailed knowledge about the hinderances and barriers that victims of sexual assault face when it comes to reporting such crimes to the authorities. Therefore, in order to obtain such in-depth data about the matter, the researcher utilises the qualitative approach by holding interviews with five professionals working at different yet relevant entities. The findings of this study serve to demonstrate just how complex and situation-specific the reasons behind this phenomenon indeed are. By means of this study, inclusive of a thorough review of the relevant literature in collaboration with the abovementioned interviews, the researcher found that there could be as many as six predominant explanations for such a happening. The findings also suggest that one particular reason, Known Offender, stands above all the rest insofar as its report-hindering ability. Lastly, the findings of this study suggest that although each of the identified reasons is an independent hinderance within its own right, due to the complexity of such crimes and human nature, one victim may be faced with several barriers when contemplating whether to report the assault or not. In light of such findings, the study then concludes with the author’s recommendations for law enforcement, policymakers, and academics alike in an effort to hopefully bring this devastating phenomenon to a halt.