Myths and Realities
1. Most rapes occur in a dark alley by a stranger.
Reality
Most sexual assault survivors know the perpetrator. About 70% of female rape or sexual assault survivors state the offender was an intimate, other relative, a friend or an acquaintance (Bureau of Justice Statistics 2005). This includes classmates, coworkers, dates, neighbors, caretakers, family members, husbands and boyfriends.
2. Rape is just ‘rough’ or ‘bad’ sex. What’s the big deal?
Reality
Almost half of all survivors of rape are fearful of serious injury or death during a rape. Rape is a violent assault that is acted out sexually which affects an individual’s sense of safety and control. Rape survivors are nine times more likely than victims of other crimes to attempt suicide.
3. Women ask to be raped because of the way they dress or act.
Reality
This attitude holds survivors of sexual assault accountable for the violence perpetrated against them. No one asks or deserves to be raped. Rape does not happen in response to provocative clothing or behavior, rape happens because the perpetrator decides that his desires are more important than the victim’s right to self determination. A life free from sexual violence is a basic human right that should be accorded to all members of our society.
4. It’s okay for a man to force a woman to have sex with him if she gets him turned on.
Reality
This attitude holds survivors of sexual assault accountable for the violence perpetrated against them. No one asks or deserves to be raped. Rape does not happen in response to provocative clothing or behavior, rape happens because the perpetrator decides that his desires are more important than the victim’s right to self determination. A life free from sexual violence is a basic human right that should be accorded to all members of our society.
5. Women only cry rape to get back at men they are mad at or because they don’t want to admit having sex.
Reality
False rape charges are not frequently made. According to the Department of Justice, one in every 2.7 million heterosexual males will have a false claim made against them.
6. Men can never be sexually assaulted.
Reality
Men can be and are sexually assaulted. 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual violence before the age of 18.
7. Childhood sexual abuse happens rarely.
Reality
Statistics report that from one in three to one in six girls and one in six to one in twenty boys are sexually abused before the age of eighteen.
8. Myth: Most children are sexually abused by strangers.
Reality
The vast majority of children are sexually abused by someone they know and trust. It is most often someone who has access to the child and builds some relationship of trust.