Which of the following is NOT listed as a reason a victim might not want to cooperate?

• A. Financial gain
• B. Fear of retaliation by the perpetrator
• C. Distrust of law enforcement and the criminal justice system
• D. Embarrassment

Answer: (A)

The expected reasons a victim might choose not to cooperate come from concerns about safety, trust, and personal comfort. People may fear retaliation by the perpetrator if they come forward, worry about their own or their family’s safety, or face ongoing pressure. They may also distrust law enforcement or the criminal justice system, fearing they won’t be believed, treated fairly, or protected, or that the process will be lengthy and unsupportive. Embarrassment or shame about what happened, along with concerns about privacy and judgment, can also deter cooperation. Financial gain is not a typical factor in why victims avoid cooperating, as the decision is usually driven by safety, trust, and emotional or social considerations rather than money.