Which is a reason domestic violence may not be reported?

• A. The police will always prosecute.
• B. Victims may think police won't take it seriously.
• C. Can't afford to leave due to financial dependence.
• D. Other responsibilities e.g., children.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how victims view the police response. If someone experiences violence but thinks the police won’t take it seriously or won’t believe them, they may choose not to report to avoid being dismissed or blamed. That belief directly lowers the perceived benefit of reporting and raises the perceived cost, making silence more likely even when abuse is happening. Other factors like financial dependence or childcare can make it harder to leave or seek help, but they aren’t about the immediate doubt about how the report would be handled by authorities. The notion that police will always prosecute isn’t realistic and wouldn’t explain reluctance to report; the stronger, more direct reason is fear that the police won’t take it seriously.