What do victimization surveys primarily aim to achieve?

Victimization surveys primarily aim to determine whether individuals have been victims of crime, regardless of whether those crimes were reported to the police. These surveys are crucial for revealing the extent of crime that goes unreported, offering insights into various crimes, such as assault, theft, and domestic violence. By collecting data directly from individuals about their personal experiences with crime, victimization surveys can provide a more comprehensive picture of crime prevalence in society than traditional crime statistics alone, which often rely on reported incidents. This information can help policymakers, law enforcement, and social services to understand and address crime more effectively.