Rape myths are damaging and false beliefs about rape and sexual assault that are perpetuated when individuals make judgements about survivors based on these inaccurate beliefs. They are sometimes spread because it is easier for people to believe the survivor must have done something to deserve being raped or sexually assaulted. This belief allows people to feel they are safer because they protect themselves. However, survivors are not to blame for an offender’s behavior. Sexual assault is a crime, and responsibility lies only with the perpetrator.
MYTH: The survivor must have “asked for it” by being seductive, careless, drunk, high, etc.
FACT: No one asks to be abused, injured, or humiliated. No one can cause an offender to commit a crime against them.
MYTH: If the survivor did not physically struggle with or fight the assailant, it wasn’t really rape.
FACT: A “freeze” response is a normal response to trauma, rendering a victim unable to physically fight back. Many survivors do not fight back because they are afraid or feel compelled to cooperate in order to survive. Alcohol and drugs are often used to incapacitate victims.
MYTH: Most perpetrators are strangers to the survivor.
FACT: Most rapes are committed by someone the survivor knows: a neighbor, friend, acquaintance, co-worker, classmate, spouse, partner or ex-partner.
MYTH: Individuals who commit rape are mentally ill or psychotic and cannot help themselves.
FACT: Very few perpetrators are mentally incompetent or out of touch with reality. Mentally ill people are more likely to be victims of crime than to perpetrate it.
MYTH: Men can’t be sexually assaulted.
FACT: Men are sexually assaulted. Any man can be sexually assaulted regardless of size, strength, appearance or sexual orientation.
MYTH: A woman cannot sexually assault a man.
FACT: Although the majority of perpetrators are male, people of all genders can be both victims and perpetrators of sexual violence.
We encourage you to report incidents of rape and sexual assault. HAVEN advocates are available to walk you through your options and offer support during this very difficult time. Our services are always free and confidential.
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