Myths about rape and sexual abuse

Fact

Only around 10% of rapes are committed by ‘strangers’. Around 90% of rapes are committed by known men, and often by someone who the survivor has previously trusted or even loved.

People are raped in their homes, their workplaces and other settings where they previously felt safe. Rapists can be friends, colleagues, clients, neighbours, family members, partners or exes.

Risk of rape shouldn’t be used as an excuse to control women’s movements or restrict their rights and freedom.

Fact

Studies show  that the allegations of rape that are false are exactly the same as that of any other crime around 4 – 8%.

Fact

People of all ages and appearances, and of all classes, cultures, abilities, genders, sexualities, races and religions, experience rape and sexual abuse.

It is an act of violence and control; the  ‘attractiveness’ of a victim/survivor has very little to do with it.

There is no excuse for sexual violence and it is never the victim/survivor’s fault. What someone was wearing when they were raped is completely irrelevant.

Fact

This is a dangerous myth, which is sometimes used to try and explain or excuse the behaviour of those who rape and sexually abuse children.

It is offensive and unhelpful to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The vast majority of those who are sexually abused as children will never perpetrate sexual violence against others. There is no excuse or explanation for sexual violence against children or adults.

Fact

Rape is a horrendous and traumatizing crime. Rape is the use of violence, power, domination and aggression.

Victims of murder, robbery and other crimes are never portrayed as enjoying the experience.

Fact

Sometimes people who are raped sustain injuries and sometimes they don’t.

Many people who are sexually attacked are unable to move or speak from fear and shock. They may be in a coercive or controlling relationship with their rapist, and/or too young to give consent (under 16), or unable to consent because of drugs, alcohol, or not being consvious. Sex without consent is rape.

Just because someone doesn’t have visible injuries doesn’t mean they weren’t raped.

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

There is no evidence to support the idea that LGBTQ people are more likely to be sex offenders. In fact, sex offenders are disproportionately likely to be heterosexual men.

Fact

There is never an excuse for rape and sexual abuse. We are responsible for what we do to others even if we are intoxicated or stressed.

Fact

Men can control their urges to have sex just as women can; no-one needs to rape someone for sexual satisfaction. Rape is an act of violence and control. It can’t be explained away and there are no excuses.

Fact

If a person is in a relationship with someone or has had sex with them before, it doesn’t mean they can’t be sexually assaulted or raped by that person.

Consent must be given and received every time two people engage in sexual contact. It is important to check in with our sexual partners and make sure anything sexual that happens between us is what we both want, every time.

Fact

The majority of sexual assaults and rapes are committed by men against women and children but women do perpetrate sexual violence.

Often people who’ve been sexually assaulted or abused by a woman worry they won’t be believed or their experiences won’t be considered ‘as bad’. This can make it difficult for these survivors to access services or justice.

Men are also raped and sexually assaulted.  The impacts of sexual violence on men and boys are no less devastating.