Myths about sexual assault

Sexual assault is never the survivor's fault. It does not matter what the victim is wearing, how they are behaving, etc. It is always the perpetrator's fault no matter what. 

While survivors may find it intimidating and/or scary to speak up about what happened it them, it is essential in order to get justice, as well as to prevent the same thing from happening again (to the same person or a different one). 

Consent is required every time a sexual act occurs, whether or not an individual has already consented in the past. If all individuals do not consent, (despite previous decisions), the sexual acts should not occur.  

The majority of sexual assaults are committed by an individual close to the victim, (friends, family, etc.) In fact, less than 10% of child sexual assaults are committed by strangers and 93% are committed by an individual known to the child. Additionally, sexual assault and rape can occur within intimate relationships. 

Rape is defined as "unlawful sexual activity, most often involving sexual intercourse, against the will of the survivor through force or the threat of force or with an individual who is incapable of giving legal consent" Therefore, the survivor does not have to be fighting back in order to be raped. 

Females are more likely to be sexually assaulted. However, these acts can happen to anyone of any gender. 

In America, 1/6 women and 1/33 men have been the victim of attempted or completed rape. Every 68 seconds, another American becomes a victim. Many occurrences go unreported, meaning that these statistics could potentially be higher. Just because this topic is not talked about often does not mean that it is not common. 

Sexual arousal, (including orgasms), is a biological response to sexual interaction, whether it is consensual or not. It is common for our bodies to act differently than our minds, even in cases of sexual assault. 

Most people believe that sexual assault are done for the perpetrator's personal sexual gratification. While that may sometimes be the case, it is typically done for control and power. Perpetrators can most definitely control their actions and there is no excuse for their actions. 

Just like anyone else, sex workers have the right to consent. Although their job includes the sale of sex, they, in addition to their customer(s), must agree to take part in the sexual acts. 

Whether it is the survivor or perpetrator who is under the influence, it does not excuse sexual assault. Consent must still be given without any type convincing, coercion, or force. 

According to the FBI, only about 2% of reports are false, meaning that 98% of reports are true. 

Not all perpetrators look the same. While most are males, not all are. They can be any age, race, ethnicity, gender, etc.

Individuals should never have to be convinced into giving consent. Consent must be given freely and without being pressured to do so. If an individual is coerced, sexual assault has occurred. 

First of all, virginity is a social construct and whether or not an individual has had sex does not determine their worth or anything else about them. Additionally, when an individual is sexually assaulted, it is their personal decision whether or not to identify as a virgin. Nobody else can make that decision for you and you should not allow others to pressure you one way or another.