Myth: Rapes are usually reported.
Fact: Only 5-16% of rapes are reported to the police, making rape the most under-reported crime in the United States by far. (National Crime Victimization Survey)
Myth: Rape is compelled by lust, or uncontrollable sexual urges.
Fact: Rape is an assault, an act of physical violence and coercion that is all about power, not sexual gratification. It is a crime of violence, motivated primarily by the desire to control and dominate, rather than sexual attraction.
Myth: Once a man gets sexually aroused, he can’t just stop.
Fact: Men are human beings, with a brain and mind. Men do not physically need to have sex, even after becoming sexually excited. They are fully able to control themselves after becoming aroused.
Myth: Women often lie about rape or falsely accuse someone of rape.
Fact: Statistical studies indicate that false reports make up 2% or less of the reported cases of sexual assault. This figure is approximately the same as for other types of crimes. Think about the other reality – that only 1 out of 10 rapes are actually reported, and a sexual assault by someone whom the survivor knows is least likely to be reported. The fact is that most women and men who have been assaulted silence themselves rather than falsely pointing a finger.
Myth: Women provoke sexual assault by their appearance, and women’s sexuality and attractiveness are primary reasons why a rapist selects a victim.
Fact: Rapists do not select a victim by her appearance. They select a woman who is vulnerable (e.g., who has been drinking) and accessible. Victims of sexual assault range in age groups from infants to the elderly. Sexual attractiveness is not an issue.
Myth: Sexual assault is a topic that only concerns women, and men don't need to worry about it.
Fact: According to recent national rape statistics, men, both straight and gay, suffered 10% of the sexual assaults reported in the U.S. last year. Almost all were raped by other men. Stepping back and thinking about the same myth from a different perspective, men have girlfriends, sisters, wives, mothers, and daughters who may someday need assistance in coping with sexual assault. Rape isn’t a woman’s concern. It is everyone’s problem.