Why do you think only less than 10% of rapes get reported?

Fear and Shame

Unfounded "shame & guilt" on the part of the victim, and the fear that the accused rapist MAY be exonerated and then come after the victim again, to retaliate for being accused.

+5

Probably for the same reason that a certain percentage of con jobs go unreported: Embarrassment and humiliation on the part of the victims. Many erroneously believe they may have contributed to their own victimization, as well, through lack of vigilance or carelessness, and in the case of the con there is always an element of greed in order for it to be brought to fruition. Then, in the case of rape, there is the fear of retaliation.

But what I would like to know is how they determine the unreported 90% if those cases are unreported? Can't figure that out.

A rape charge is hard to prove. Many do not want anyone to know it happened. I think, the legal process takes so much time, that many are scared to come forth about what occurred.

Probably has to do with the fact that the rape victim gets blamed and put on trial instead of the rapist. She/he is made to feel it is their fault and they are asked to relive moment by moment the entire event knowing good and well that the rapist might get off. Even if the rapist goes to jail..he/she will be out in a few years and possibly retaliate.

Some of the time they are by a person who the woman know well and she is afraid of causing social problems in other parts/area of her life. I don't know if I could classify this as fear or just making a choice of which unhappy situation to accept.

It can be a very humiliating experience that some folks would rather avoid.