Misconceptions of Rape and Sexual Assault
MISCONCEPTION
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.
MISCONCEPTION
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.
MISCONCEPTION
Women ask to be raped by 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.
MISCONCEPTION
It’s okay for a man to force a woman to have sex with him if she gets him turned-on.
REALITY
This attitude suggests that men are not capable of controlling their sexual behavior. It further suggests that
women must ultimately bear the responsibility for men’s violent behavior. This is simply not true; people are
able to control themselves when they choose to do so. If a person chooses to act out violently against
another, that person must be held accountable.
MISCONCEPTION
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 As a matter of fact, it is estimated that only 38.5% of
rape/sexual assault victims reported their victimization to the police (National Crime Victimization Survey,2003)
MISCONCEPTION
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.
MISCONCEPTION
Rape is just ‘rough’ [...]
