Information > Sexual Assault > Sexual Assault Myths

Many myths exist in our society about sexual assault that serve to justify the offense. Rape myths often involve victim-blaming statements about sexual assault, like "She wouldn’t have gotten raped if she hadn’t been walking alone at night", or "What did she expect would happen if she went upstairs with him?" These myths help place the blame on the wrong person (the victim or survivor) instead of where it belongs (on the perpetrator). By remaining silent about these myths, we allow them to continue. Silence can be tempting, but the eradication of myths and stereotypes requires the courage to speak out.

COMMON MYTHS: (roll over each myth to see the reality.)

People rape because they want sex, and people who rape "lose control" and can’t control their sexual desires.
Most rapists are strangers to their victims.
People who rape are psychopaths or mentally ill; they are not part of the normal population.
Women entice men to rape, by dressing a certain way or by leading them on.
If women would just stop drinking so much, they wouldn’t be sexually assaulted.
When women say no, they really mean yes.
If someone doesn’t fight off her or his perpetrator, then it is not really rape.
If a man ejaculated when he is assaulted, then it is not really sexual assault (this can also go for anyone who has an orgasm when s/he is sexually assaulted).
The reason that men get raped is because homosexual men are raping them, and lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals rape more or are more likely to be sex offenders than heterosexuals.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals deserve to be raped because of their lifestyle
Sexual assault is often the result of miscommunication or a mistake.

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Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center

Information > Sexual Assault > Sexual Assault Myths