Disadvantaged Socioeconomically are Less Likely to Report Crimes

We also know that peoples who are disadvantaged socioeconomically are less likely to report crimes (Goudriaan, Wittebrrod, and Nieuwbeerta 2006) as are people who know each other in a non-mobile community. For example, if the only place a person has housing is on a Reserve, they are likely not prepared to report a crime as this may threaten their individual situation.

This is combined with a general mistrust of the legal system that is seen as being managed by the dominant non-Aboriginal culture.  Many people, not just Aboriginal people, find testifying in court traumatic. With vulnerable Aboriginal people who are already traumatized, this aspect of the criminal justice system can contribute to their ongoing trauma.