The facts about Sexual Violence
Common Myths
There are many common myths about sexual violence that can cause shame, guilt and self-blame. We are trying to dispel these myths, and help victims and survivors get the support they need and want.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about rape and sexual assault.
Myth 1: Dressing a certain way, taking drugs or drinking alcohol means that you are asking for it.
Fact 1: No one is ever to blame for being raped or sexually assaulted. It does not matter what the circumstances were. Raping or sexually assaulting someone is always a crime and 100% of the blame, shame and responsibility for that crime lies with the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Myth 2: Most people who report rape are lying, looking for attention or seeking revenge.
Fact 2: False allegations of rape are extremely rare. In fact, most people who are raped or experience another form of sexual violence never tell the police.
Myth 3: If they didn’t say ‘no’ then it wasn’t rape.
Fact 3: Just because someone hasn’t explicated said no doesn’t mean they want to engage in sexual activity. If someone seems unsure, stays quiet, moves away or doesn’t respond, they are not agreeing to sexual activity.
Myth 4: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers.
Fact 4: On the contrary, the majority of sexual assaults are committed by people that the survivor knows. Strangers commit only 10% of sexual assaults. Most assaults are committed by partners, friends, work colleagues or family members. 1 in 3 adult victims and survivors of rape experience it in their own home (in England and Wales).
Myth 5: If an individual doesn’t fight back it means they wanted it.
Fact 5: Everyone responds differently while under attack and often individuals cannot fight back. It is a common response to freeze or even to submit to the sexual assault due to fear of further harm or even death.
Myth 6: Most survivors report the incident to the police straight away.
Fact 6: It is common that a survivor does not respond or react straight away, whether emotionally or reporting to the police. Everyone reacts differently, whether feeling shock, confusion, numbness or anger. Only 15% of victims report it to the police.
Myth 7: A victim should have severe injuries that can be seen.
Fact 7: A sexual assault often doesn’t leave visible injuries. The most common and detrimental injuries are psychological that can severely affect a person’s life.
Myth 8: A victim should remember all the details of the sexual assault.
Fact 8: Often survivors don’t have a clear memory of what happened and find it hard to remember. This does not mean they are lying or purposefully leaving information out. When a traumatic event happens, we often only remember key details. It is also a way of protecting yourself from reliving the traumatic incident again.
Myth 9: Men are not victims of sexual assault.
Fact 9: Statistically women and girls are most likely to be sexually assault. However, it also happens to men and boys. This myth is a reason why so little men and boys report the sexual assaults.
Myth 10: To become sexually aroused during rape or sexual assault means the individual has given consent.
Fact 10: Sexual arousal is an automatic response to stimulation of genitals and other areas. This is not a conscious reaction and it does not indicate enjoyment or consent. For example, a male victim may have an erection during anal rape but this does not mean he is gay, enjoying the assault or given consent.
Myth 11: A rapist is someone who is an outsider in society, uneducated, poor income, badly dressed or have a criminal record.
Fact 11: A rapist is perpetrator can have any background. This myth is damaging as a survivor might not report the assault if the perpetrator is respected for fear of not being believed. There are no typical characteristics to define or identify a rapist.
