Myths and Facts: Sexual Assault 

Sexual Assault Myths & Facts: Know the Difference

The following are misconceptions, common perceptions, and uninformed beliefs about the nature of sexual assault. They come from sources such as dialogue in educational, social, and clinical settings. They may also be informed from representations of abuse presented in pop culture (i.e. movies, TV shows, game culture, books, social media, print media, music, and more).

Myths & Facts

MYTH: Sexual assault is perpetrated by strangers in unsafe places

Fact: Over 90% of sexual assault survivors know the perpetrator. This is one of the reasons why people may not report to the police or disclose to supportive others. (wcasa.org)

MYTH: Date rape drugs are the most common drug used to commit sexual assault.

Fact: Alcohol is the most common drug to facilitate sexual assault.

MYTH: If you are in a dating relationship, partnership or marriage, your partner cannot sexually assault you.

Fact: A spouse or partner can sexually assault their spouse. Sexual assault is a crime regardless of the type of relationship you have with the perpetrator.

MYTH: It’s not sexual assault unless your life is threatened or a weapon is used.

Fact: Sexual assault does not require the threat of injury or use of a weapon. Many perpetrators use tools and tactics like grooming to coerce and force sexual contact or intercourse.

MYTH: Someone who is too drunk or wearing certain clothes is asking to be sexually assaulted.

Fact: Victims are never to blame. Clothing does not determine or influence someone else’s actions for behaviors.

MYTH: Boys or men cannot be sexually abused, especially not by women.

Fact: 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse in their life time. Perpetrating abuse is not an issue of gender, but behavior. Both men and women can be abusive towards others.