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FACT: Anyone can be sexually assaulted. Studies show that victims include infants to people in their nineties, lesbians/gays, people with disabilities, and people from every racial, ethnic, religious, economic and social background. According to a study published by the National Victim Center, approximately 683,000 women were forcibly raped in 1990. When the number of children and males assaulted during that same period are added, it is likely that well over twice that many Americans were sexually assaulted.
MYTH: "She asked for it." Women often provoke rape by their own behavior: wearing tight or low-cut clothing, going out alone, staying out late, using drugs or alcohol, kissing, etc.
FACT: No one asks to be sexual assaulted. Nor does behavior justify or excuse the crime. Everyone has the right to be safe at any time, and place, and under any circumstances. The offender, not the survivor, must be held responsible for the crime.
MYTH: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers in out-of-the-way places.
FACT: As many as 80% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. The majority of rapes occur in the home or in a car.
MYTH: Women frequently "cry rape".
FACT: The FBI reports that false accusations account for only 2% of all reported sexual assaults. This is no higher than false reports for any other crime.
MYTH: Only women can be raped.
FACT: The National Victim Center reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes.
MYTH: The best way for a survivor to get over sexual assault is to act like it didn't happen, put it behind them, and get on with their life.
FACT: Speaking out against sexual assault may be an essential part of the recovery process for survivors. However, the recovery process may be different for different people and no one should be forced to speak out before they are ready. Every survivor is the expert in their own recovery process and deserves support from family, friends, and the service providers with whom they come into contact.
MYTH: Women who don't fight back, haven't been raped.
FACT: Rape occurs when one is forced to have sex against their will, regardless of whether or not they fought back. Many victims are paralyzed with fear and are unable to fight. The goal is to get out with the least amount of injury as possible. No one should be criticized for not fighting back.
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