Why Most Survivors Don’t Report: Underreporting in Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive issue across all communities, yet the number of survivors who report their experiences to authorities remains disproportionately low. In her June 2025 report, Dr. Kim Stanton highlighted key findings that help explain why many survivors remain silent, shedding light on the complex barriers that prevent reporting and the implications for support services and policy.

The Scope of Underreporting

Statistics show that only a fraction of IPV incidents are formally reported. While exact numbers vary across regions and demographics, research consistently indicates that the majority of survivors choose not to engage with law enforcement or formal support systems. Dr. Stanton emphasizes that this underreporting is not due to lack of recognition of abuse - survivors are often fully aware of the harm they are experiencing - but rather the result of multifaceted personal, social, and systemic factors.

Key Barriers to Reporting

1. Fear of Retaliation
   Survivors often fear further violence or retribution from their partner if they disclose abuse. This fear is particularly acute in cases involving coercive control, stalking, or threats against children.
   
   
2. Distrust of Authorities
   Many survivors are hesitant to engage with law enforcement or the legal system due to prior negative experiences, perceived bias, or a belief that reporting will not result in meaningful protection or justice.
   
   
3. Emotional and Psychological Factors
   Shame, guilt, and self-blame are common emotions experienced by survivors. Dr. Stanton notes that these feelings can be compounded by societal myths about IPV, which may pressure survivors into minimizing or dismissing the abuse they endure.
   
   
4. Financial and Practical Concerns
   Leaving an abusive relationship often requires access to financial resources, housing, childcare, and legal support. Survivors may weigh these practical challenges against the risks of staying silent, often concluding that reporting is not a viable option at the moment.
   
   
5. Cultural and Social Pressures
   Family expectations, cultural norms, and community stigmas can discourage survivors from seeking help. In some communities, maintaining family unity or avoiding public shame may take precedence over reporting abuse.
   
   

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Approaches

Dr. Stanton’s report stresses the importance of trauma-informed care in addressing IPV. Support services must recognize the emotional and psychological complexities that affect survivors’ decisions. By prioritizing safety, validation, and autonomy, professionals can create environments where survivors feel empowered to disclose abuse on their own terms.

Supporting Survivors Beyond Reporting

While increasing reporting is a critical goal, Dr. Stanton emphasizes that it should not be the sole measure of progress in addressing IPV. Policies, community programs, and healthcare systems must focus on prevention, early intervention, and accessible support, regardless of whether survivors formally report abuse.

At MindSense, we are committed to applying research-driven insights to our practice, ensuring that survivors of IPV receive compassionate, trauma-informed support tailored to their unique needs. Understanding why underreporting occurs is the first step in creating systems that truly support survivors - beyond statistics, beyond reports, and beyond judgment.

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