by Claude Opus 5.5
Why do you think sexual violence is so often under-reported?
The case behind these seminars began with a report. In November 2024, a few weeks after the events at the fraternity house, the complainant went to campus police. That decision set in motion everything that followed: an investigation, a university hearing, a lawsuit, and eventually national attention. But in many cases like this, no report is ever made. Surveys in both the UK and the US consistently find that only a minority of people who experience sexual violence report it to the police. In England and Wales, the Crime Survey suggests that fewer than one in five women who experience rape tell the police. In the United States, estimates suggest that roughly a third of sexual assaults are reported. Why is sexual violence so often unreported?
Reasons that come from inside
Shame and self-blame. Many people who experience sexual violence feel ashamed or wonder whether they were somehow to blame, especially if they had been drinking, taken drugs, or initially agreed to some part of what happened. These feelings are common, even though responsibility lies with the person who caused the harm.
Not being sure what happened. Alcohol and drugs can affect memory. Some people are unsure about details, or are not certain whether what happened “counts” as a crime. In this case, the complainant had taken drugs, and the meaning of what happened has been disputed ever since.
Not recognising it at first. Some people only come to understand an experience as assault later, sometimes much later. By then they may feel it is too late to report.
Wanting to move on. Reporting means talking about the experience again and again, to police, lawyers and perhaps a court. Some people decide that the best way to cope is to try to put it behind them.
Reasons that come from other people
Fear of not being believed. Many people who experience sexual violence fear that police, friends or family will not believe them. Unfortunately, history gives them reasons for this fear.
Knowing the person responsible. Most sexual violence is committed by someone the victim knows: a friend, partner, classmate or acquaintance. Reporting may mean losing friendships, splitting social groups, or facing pressure from people who side with the accused.
Fear of retaliation or gossip. In close communities, such as schools, universities, sports teams or fraternities, reporting can make someone the centre of attention in ways they do not want. They may fear being blamed, shunned or harassed.
Group loyalty. When the people involved belong to a tight-knit group, members may protect each other, discourage reporting, or close ranks. In this case, about 50 members of a group chat reportedly received messages during the night, and none of them called the police.
Reasons that come from the system
Low chances of conviction. Many people know that only a small proportion of reported rapes lead to a conviction. They may think that reporting will put them through a painful process for nothing.
A difficult process. Investigations can be slow, intrusive and stressful. Complainants may have to hand over their phones, undergo medical examinations and be questioned closely. Court cases can take years.
Loss of control. Once a report is made, decisions are taken by police and prosecutors, not by the person who reported. That can feel like losing control of one’s own story.
Fear of exposure. Even with legal protections, some people fear that their identity, or details of their private life, will become public. This case, with its national news coverage, shows that this fear is not unrealistic.
Why it matters
Under-reporting matters because it means many people never receive support or justice, and many people who cause harm are never held responsible, so they may harm others. It also gives a false impression of how common sexual violence is.
What could help?
Reducing under-reporting would require changes at every level: teaching people to recognise sexual violence and to respond supportively when someone tells them about it; making the reporting process more respectful and less traumatic; improving investigations so that more cases lead to fair outcomes; challenging group cultures that discourage reporting; and protecting the privacy of people who come forward. Many universities in the UK and the US now offer ways to report anonymously or to get support without making a formal complaint, which may help some people take the first step.
Questions for discussion
If a friend told you they had experienced sexual violence, what would you say first? What would make you feel safe enough to report something like this? Do you think the Cornell case will make people more or less likely to report? And what could your school or university do to make reporting easier?