Final answer:
IPV goes unreported due to perceptions of it being a private matter, fear of retaliation, protection of the abuser, and belief that authorities will not help. Gender dynamics and emotional dependence may also contribute to underreporting. Studies indicate that victims may deny abuse even when confronted by authorities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Underreporting of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains significantly underreported for various reasons. Victims often consider IPV a private matter, demonstrating a strong inclination towards privacy, with 22% of females and 39% of males citing this reason. In addition to a fear of retaliation, which is reported by 12% of females and 5% of males, there is a tendency to want to protect the abuser, mentioned by 14% of females and 16% males. A belief that the police will not take action is also a reason, with both genders reporting this at 8%.
Gender dynamics and the traditional passive role assigned to women in relationships contribute to this problem. There is often an emotional dependence created by the abuser to maintain power and control, which makes victims feel worthless. This power dynamic makes it more challenging for victims to report or leave the abusive situation, reinforcing the cycle of abuse. Moreover, social stigma and the fear of not being believed discourage reporting, especially when societal or cultural norms support silence on such issues.
Studies and historical records emphasize the complexity of this issue. For instance, 29 percent of victims deny abuse when confronted by police, which could reflect the nuanced nature of abusive dynamics and the psychological state of the victim. Notably, history has shown that even in cases of state-sponsored sexual abuse, such as those undergone by Rohingya and Uyghur women, the visibility of these issues is limited, suggesting a systemic problem of underreporting and underrecognition of abuse.