Typical reasons why Sexual Abuse/assault Victims don't Report

Many people who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault find it extremely difficult to seek help or make a formal report. There is no “right” way to respond to trauma, and every person’s situation, cultural context, and emotional capacity is different.

Below are some commonly described concerns that people may experience when thinking about disclosure or reporting. These are not universal, but they reflect themes that many individuals have shared in clinical and support settings.

• Fear of emotional overwhelm

Some people worry that talking about what happened might feel too intense or destabilising. Examples include thoughts like:

• “I’m scared that if I talk about it, I’ll fall apart.”

• “It feels too big to say out loud.”

• Fear of not being believed or being judged

Many individuals express concerns such as:

• “What if they think I’m exaggerating?”

• “What if they judge my reaction or think I should have responded differently?”

• “I can’t remember everything—what if they say that means it didn’t happen?”

• Gendered or cultural pressures

Some people feel that their gender, cultural expectations, or community dynamics make reporting especially difficult. For example:

• “As a man, I should have been able to fight back.”

• “My community will judge me or shame me.”

• “The person I would need to report to knows the perpetrator.”

• Fear of personal information becoming public

Concerns may include:

• Worrying that details will be shared with people who do not need to know

• Fear of community or family repercussions

• Anxiety about privacy in small towns or tight-knit groups

• Fear of consequences, retaliation or backlash

Some people may fear:

• Social, family, cultural or workplace consequences

• Impact on relationships, job opportunities, or standing in the community

• Retaliation from the perpetrator or those connected to them

• Shame, guilt, or self-blame

Many survivors describe internalised beliefs such as:

• “Maybe I should have done something differently.”

• “It must have been my fault.”

• “I’m worried they’ll say I’m being dramatic, unstable or attention-seeking.”

These beliefs are common trauma responses, not reflections of truth or responsibility.

• Fear of re-traumatisation in legal systems

Some individuals express concern about:

• Reliving the experience during statements or court

• Feeling interrogated or disbelieved

• Worrying that the process may feel overwhelming

• Not feeling ready

For many people, the emotional, psychological, or practical readiness to report may take time — or may never occur. This is a normal part of the trauma experience.

You are not alone

Support is available even if you are not ready — or do not wish — to make a formal report. Speaking with a qualified health professional can provide a safe, confidential space to explore the impacts of what you have been through at your own pace, without pressure to disclose details before you feel ready.

Healing does not require reporting.And reporting does not require sharing every detail. You are always in control of how much you share and when.

If you would like support

A Registered Psychologist or trauma informed and qualified mental health professional can help you explore the emotional and physical impacts of trauma, develop grounding and regulation skills, and work through your experiences safely and at your pace. Psychological therapy is confidential and guided by AHPRA’s professional standards.

If you or someone you know would like support around sexual abuse or assault, you can seek help through:

• A registered mental health professional

• Sexual assault support services

• Your GP

• Anonymous helplines

You deserve safety, support, and compassion — whatever path you choose.