Myths & Facts about Sexual Assault
There are many myths and misconceptions that exist about sexual assault. These myths usually blame the victim or make excuses for the offender's behaviour.
Many victims/survivors of rape find it difficult to report the crime to the police or speak about their experience because of myths that exist in the community.
MYTH: All rapists are strangers
FACT: Most rapists are known to the victim-eg: father, relative, partner, friend, boyfriend or boss.
MYTH: Women enjoy being raped
FACT: Rape is a frightening and humiliating experience during which the victim has no control over what happens. No one enjoys or deserves an experience like this.
MYTH: All rapes occur at night, on a dark street or a park.
FACT: Many rapes occur during the day. Whilst some rapes do occur in a park, street or public place, almost half of the rapes reported take place in the victim's home or in the rapist's home.
MYTH: It is a man's right to have sex with his wife or partner whenever he wants to or feels like it.
FACT: Forcing a woman to have sex when she does not want to is called rape.
MYTH: Women provoke rape by the way they dress or act.
FACT: No woman asks or deserves to be raped. Rapists use a variety of excuses to justify their behaviour.
MYTH: If the victim didn't scream or fight, it couldn't have been rape.
FACT: Many victims are not able to scream. They have been threatened and so have become paralysed with fear, which means they are unable to fight back. They may also fear further violence from their attacker if they struggle.
Remember, there is NEVER ANY EXCUSE for sexual violence.