Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Sexual assault is a sexual act.
Fact: Sexual assault is an act of violence using sex as a weapon. Studies of convicted offenders show that they rape to satisfy needs of power and control, not sexual needs.
Myth: Sexual assault occurs mostly between strangers.
Fact: 85% of the time, the rapist and victim know each other.
Myth: Women encourage men to rape by their behavior or dress.
Fact: The blame for sexual assault belongs only with the assailant. Women, men, and children of all ages and descriptions are assaulted. Everyone, no matter how they dress or act, has the right to control her or his own body.
Myth: A person who didn’t resist couldn’t have been sexually assaulted.
Fact: The victim’s reactions were appropriate to the situation. She or he did what was necessary to survive and should not be second guessed. The victim is never to blame.
