How are the findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey often viewed?

The findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) are often viewed as underestimating crime rates because the survey relies on self-reported data from victims, which can lead to inconsistencies in reporting due to various factors such as fear of reprisal, forgetfulness, or the perception that the crime is not serious enough to report. This method captures information about crimes that may not be reported to law enforcement, but it does not account for all incidents, especially those that victims choose not to acknowledge or remember. Consequently, while the NCVS provides valuable insights into the prevalence of crime, it is generally understood that the actual rates may be higher than what the survey reflects. This understanding helps highlight the limitations and potential biases inherent in relying solely on victimization surveys for crime statistics.