Why Victims Remain Silent: Examining Stigma, Institutional Trust, and Barriers to Reporting Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

The social problem of gender-based violence persists today, but many victims do not report due to stigma, lack of trust in institutions, and practical issues.  The study explored how the social stigma, trust in institutions, and barriers to reporting affect victim silence in gender-based violence. The researchers used a quantitative cross-sectional survey design and the proposed sample was 300 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with items on social stigma, institutional trust, reporting barriers and reporting intentions. In terms of analyzing responses, descriptive statistical techniques such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used. The findings revealed that social stigma had a mean score of 3.95 (SD = 0.82) and reporting barriers had a mean score of 3.80 (SD = 0.86). Mean score of Institutional trust was 3.01 (SD = 0.91) which signifies comparatively moderate trust in reporting institutions. The average score for reporting intentions was 3.02 (SD = 1.04). The findings suggest that fear of social judgment, worries about institutional responses and difficulties in accessing support can deter victims from reporting gender-based violence. According to the study, confidential reporting procedure, survivor-centered services, institutional accountability, and public awareness initiative were stressed. Enhancing confidence in support services and questioning stigmatizing attitudes might promote victimization and lead to access to justice. And support provides access to justice for victims. The results present important lessons for those interested in improving responses to gender-based violence policy makers and support organisations and institutions.