Final answer:
The accuracy of abuse statistics is compromised by poor reporting habits, which can lead to both overreporting and underreporting of abuse incidents. This affects the development of policy and proper support for victims. The reasons victims don't report include considering it a private matter, fear of retaliation, protecting the abuser, or believing the police won't help.
Step-by-step explanation:
Due to poor reporting habits, the accuracy of abuse statistics suffers greatly. When abuse occurrences are either overreported or underreported, it results in a skewed perception of the reality, often leading to misinformed policy decisions and inadequate support for victims. Overreporting may cause unwarranted parental detention or unnecessary interventions, whereas underreporting can see abuse incidents not being acted upon, leaving victims without support.
Victims may fail to report abuse for various reasons: they may consider the abuse a private matter, fear retaliation, seek to protect the abuser, or believe that police won't take action. Studies suggest more than half of intimate partner violence (IPV) goes unreported, and when abuse is reported by a third party, victims sometimes deny it, even when assailants admit to the abuse. Accurate statistical data on abuse are crucial as they form the foundation for developing effective interventions and support systems.