Which of the following is the most probable reason child abuse is underreported?

• A. Child abuse is usually witnessed by large groups, making it easy to report.
• B. Children fear retaliation or punishment if they disclose the abuse.
• C. Most children do not recognize abuse as harmful.
• D. Healthcare professionals always detect signs of abuse during routine checkups.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: It asks for the most probable reason why child abuse is underreported, focusing on psychological and social factors affecting reporting behavior.
2. Analyze each option by considering psychological concepts such as fear, recognition of abuse, social dynamics, and professional detection capabilities.
3. Evaluate the first option: 'Child abuse is usually witnessed by large groups, making it easy to report.' Reflect on the likelihood of abuse being witnessed by many people and how this affects reporting rates.
4. Consider the second option: 'Children fear retaliation or punishment if they disclose the abuse.' Think about how fear and power dynamics influence a child's willingness to report abuse.
5. Review the third and fourth options about recognition of abuse by children and detection by healthcare professionals, assessing their impact on reporting frequency compared to fear of retaliation.