Debunking the Myths about Sexual Assault
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Myth
Most victims of sexual assault can prevent the assault from taking place by resisting.
Fact
Assailants commonly overpower victims through threats and intimidation tactics. Moreover, many victims lack the capacity to appreciate or understand they are being assaulted.
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Myth
Most sexual assaults are done by strangers.
Fact
Statistics clearly show the vast majority of sexual assaults are committed by someone close to the victim.
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Myth
Victims can easily “get over” the effects of sexual assault or child sexual abuse.
Fact
The effects of sexual assault are far reaching and can severely impact an individual’s emotional stability, employment, and ability to form and maintain adult relationships
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Myth
Most sexual assaults are not planned in advance.
Fact
As many as 3/4 of all sexual assaults involved some pre-planning by the assailant.
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Myth
Sexual Assault is a commonly false-reported crime
Fact
Most statistics show approximately 2% or less of sexual assaults reported as false reports.
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Myth
Victims commonly dress in a way that increases their chances of being sexually assaulted.
Fact
This is uncommon as most assailants cannot even remember what the victim was wearing.
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Myth
If a drunk female/male consents to a sexual act, this consent is valid
Fact
It depends on how “drunk” the individual is and whether they are capable of understanding what they are consenting to.
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Myth
Most victims are young, attractive females.
Fact
The elderly are commonly victims of sexual abuse.
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Myth
Men are never sexually assaulted.
Fact
Sexual assault is more common for men than most believe, and boys are common victims of child sexual abuse.
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Myth
Sexual assault is a relatively rare form of abuse.
Fact
As many as 1 in 4 women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime. This makes sexual assault one of the most common serious crimes.
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Myth
Most assailants have a history of mental or sexual problems.
Fact
Many assailants appear to live highly normal/functioning lives.
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Myth
Assailants are typically poor, uneducated, of certain race.
Fact
There is no data indicating a typical profile of an assailant. Many assailants are otherwise upstanding citizens.
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Myth
It is not sexual assault if the assailant and victim are married.
Fact
Any sexual acts that are not truly consented to constitute sexual assault regardless of the relationship between the victim and the assailant.
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Myth
The victim must show physical injuries for it to legally be considered a sexual assault
Fact
The presence or absence of physical injuries is irrelevant to the determination of whether an act is “legally” considered a sexual assault; however, physical injuries may be grounds for a heightened punishment or a finding of aggravated sexual assault.
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This post is intended to debunk those myths that many would have you believe. Stay informed! Keeping yourself educated about sexual assault is the first step to prevention.
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