Common Myths About Rape

Yes, there are common myths about rape.  Myths are commonly mistaken for facts.  Knowledge is the only power that can dispel the myths concerning rape.
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"Girls or women who flirt or dress in sexy clothing are asking for it."

NOT TRUE.  No one asks to be raped and nothing ever gives someone the right to force sex on another, regardless of whether there has been a sexual relationship in the past, what she is wearing, how late it is, or otherwise.

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"Rape is a street crime; only people who put themselves in bad situations get raped."

NOT TRUE.  Every 8 minutes someone is raped or sexually assaulted, most of the time by someone the victim knows.  It can happen to anyone.

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"A person can't be raped by someone with whom she has previously had sex."

NOT TRUE.  Prior consent is not perpetual consent.

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"It is not rape if she doesn't resist."

NOT TRUE.  People respond to traumatic situations in a variety of ways.  Compliance does not equal consent.
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"Alcohol causes sexual assault."

NOT TRUE.  Although alcohol is often involved, it does not cause sexual assault.  Sexual assault, like any other behavior, is a choice made by the perpetrator.
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"The victim could have stopped or prevented the rape."

NOT TRUE.  Whatever the victim did to survive the assault was the right thing to do.  The threat of physical harm, or even death, strikes fear in the victim and can be immobilizing.  Confusion, shock, and disbelief can affect how the victim responds.
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"Rape only happens to women."

NOT TRUE.  Anyone can be raped, regardless of age, sex, race, or social standing.  Rape is a societal problem of violence.  For women, 18% reported a completed or attempted rape sometime in their lifetime.  For men, 3% reported a completed or attempted rape sometime in their lifetime. 
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"Rape is an act of unrestrained passion."

NOT TRUE.  The primary motive for rape is power and control, and sometimes anger.  Rape is committed out of a need to dominate and humiliate.  It is not an act of passion or love.  Rape is a crime of violence.
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"Lots of girls lie about being raped, especially if they are mad at their boyfriend."

NOT TRUE.  Statistics show that only 2% of rapes are unfounded.  There are no more false charges of rape than there are for the crimes of burglary or robbery.  In fact, rape is the most unreported crime.  It is estimated that only 14% rapes are ever  reported.
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"Women are always hysterical after being raped."

NOT TRUE.  There is a wide array of emotions in rape trauma syndrome and most women are still in a state of shock for a period following the rape.  Many victims are emotionally numb and their affect is flat.