After surviving sexual violence, victim-survivors often feel pressured by others, or even by themselves, to file a report to the police. Survivors are often victim-blamed and not believed when they choose not to report. Sometimes, others even try to suggest that the survivor is responsible if the perpetrator continues to harm others, and survivors may internalize these feelings as well. In reality, it\u2019s okay if a survivor chooses not to report, and the only person responsible for sexual violence is the perpetrator themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Survivors may choose not to report for many reasons, or they may simply just not want to report. They also may delay reporting for many of the same reasons. Ultimately, they do not owe anyone an explanation for how they decide to proceed legally. However, to better understand the survivors around us and to effectively combat victim-blaming, here are just a few of the reasons as to why survivors may choose to not report sexual violence to authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n