Myths about rape

Fact

Only 9% of rapes are committed by ‘strangers’. Women are most likely to be raped by someone they know, over 80% of rapes are committed by known men. More than one in five women are raped by their partners or their husbands.

Fact

Studies show however, that the allegations of rape that are false are exactly the same as that of any other crime i.e. 6 – 8%.

Fact

Women and girls of all ages, classes, culture, ability, sexuality, race and faith are raped. Attractiveness has no significance. Rape is an act of violence not sex.

Fact

Rapists use a variety of excuses to attempt to discredit the women they rape and to justify their crime. No matter what a woman is wearing, how she is behaving, where she is, whether she is drinking or taking drugs she is never ‘asking to be raped’. No woman asks or deserves to be rape or sexually assaulted.

Fact

Rape is a horrendous and traumatizing crime. Rape is the use of violence, power, domination and aggression, no women enjoys rape. Victims of murder, robbery and other crimes are never portrayed as enjoying the experience.

Fact

Men who rape or sexually assault women and girls will often use weapons or threats of violence to intimidate women. The fact that there is no visible evidence of violence does not mean that a woman has not been raped. The fear of further violence and murder often limits resistance.

Fact

There is no typical rapist. Studies show that men who commit sexual violence come from every economic, ethnic, racial, age and social group.

Fact

Studies have indicated that as few as 5% of men are psychotic at the time of their crimes. Few convicted rapists are referred for psychiatric treatment.

Fact

Men use a variety of excuses to justify the act of rape. There is never an excuse.

Fact

Studies show that most rapes are premeditated i.e. they are either wholly or partially planned in advance. All rapes committed by more than one assailant are always planned. Men can quite easily control their urges to have sex – they do not need to rape a woman to satisfy them. Rape is an act of violence – not sexual gratification. Men who rape or sexually assault does so to dominate, violate and control.

Fact

Men who rape are as likely as any other man to be cohabiting or having a significant relationship with a woman.

Fact

The majority of sexual assaults are committed by men against women. But anyone can be sexually assaulted and emotional, physical and sexual abuse does happen in same sex relationships. It is important that anyone who has experienced sexual violence can access support and be believed.