Explanation
Reporting behavior influences how much of actual crime reality enters official statistics. Factors include the severity of the offense, the relationship between victim and offender, trust in the police, and fear of stigmatization. Certain crimes, such as sexual offenses or domestic violence, are underreported, which increases the dark figure of crime.
Theoretical Reference
Reporting behavior is central to victimology and dark figure research. It also illustrates the social construction of crime statistics.