Myths & Facts About Rape
Myths about rape are all about shifting the responsibility for the
crime from the perpetrator to the victim. Rape and sexual assault are
about power and violence, not sex. The vast majority of sexual assaults
are planned carefully and are not committed because of uncontrollable
sexual urges.
| Myth |
A rapist is a stranger. |
| Fact |
A recent report has revealed that more than eight out of 10
rapes involve an attack by someone the victim knows; for
example, friend, lover, colleague, husband or ex- partner. |
| Myth |
Rape only happens in dark alleys. |
| Fact |
60% of women are attacked inside a building, and for 31% of
women the rape occurs in their own home - the most common place
of all. |
| Myth |
Women get raped because they are dressed provocatively. |
| Fact |
If a man decides to rape someone, it makes no difference
what she is wearing. |
| Myth |
Rape only happens to certain types of people. |
| Fact |
Rape is perpetrated against disabled and able-bodied people,
against both sexes, all classes, all races, all cultures and all
ages. |
| Myth |
Rapists are monster/maniacs |
| Fact |
Rapists are ordinary men, many are highly respected members
of the community and in 1980 in England and Wales, only 2% of
convicted rapists were considered to be in need of psychiatric
treatment. |
| Myth |
Rape is a crime of sexual needs or uncontrollable urges. |
| Fact |
Men can, and do, control their sexual urges. Rape is a crime
of violence, control, degradation and intimidation - it is not
about sex but about power. The vast majority of rapes are
carefully planned. |
| Myth |
Women say "no" but they mean "yes". |
| Fact |
When women say no they mean no. Sex without consent is rape. |
| Myth |
She didn’t struggle so she was not raped. |
| Fact |
Most women are too afraid to struggle because of threats of
violence if they make a sound. |
| Myth |
Women enjoy rape. Some women ask for it. Women lead the
rapist on. |
| Fact |
It is handy to be able to blame the woman in this way - it
lets the attackers off the hook and it helps other people to
feel safe. If you believe that women are to blame when they
suffer rape, then you might imagine that you can protect
yourself by being careful and sensible. The truth is that an
attack can take place against any woman, at any time, and in any
place. Suffering rape is a traumatic violation. The victim is
often afraid that her attacker will kill her. She may try to
calm the rapist down by pretending that she is enjoying herself.
Rape is the sole responsibility of the rapist, regardless of
anything a woman may do to survive. |
