The Truth About Sexual Assault
One of the most dangerous myths out there is “It can’t happen to me.”The unfortunate truth is, one in four college women experience unwanted sexual contact meeting the definition of rape or attempted rape. These women come from all ages, races, socioeconomic groups, and religious affiliations. Knowing the facts can help you take care of yourself and make a difference in your community.
Sexual assault defined:
A sexual assault is any act of a sexual nature performed without consent. In Florida law, sexual assault is termed “sexual battery” and is defined to include any act of penetration (oral, anal, or vaginal) by another’s sexual organ or another object without consent. Consent has to be willing and voluntary, which means a person who was coerced, bribed, threatened, or who simply did not say “no” has not really given consent. Legally, a person is unable to consent if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Myths and facts about sexual assault:
Myth: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers.
Fact: A person is much more likely to be assaulted by someone they know than by a stranger. More than 75% of sexual assault survivors knew their assailants prior to the assault.
Myth: Only women and gay men need to worry about being assaulted.
Fact: About 10% of reported sexual assaults include male victims. Of those men, the vast majority are heterosexual.
Myth: If a weapon was not used and/or if the person did not resist, it wasn’t really rape.
Fact: Sex without consent is rape. Body weight, physical strength, verbal coercion, and intoxication all reduce a person’s ability to freely give consent. Obtaining sex through these means is rape.
Myth: Women who report rape are usually lying, often to get back at someone.
Fact: Only about 2% of rape reports are false. Many victims of sexual assault never report the crime out of fear that they will not be believed.
Myth: Rapists are easily identifiable by their physical appearance, actions, or words.
Fact: There is no standard mental or physical profile that defines a rapist. The vast majority of rapists are people the victim knows and sees in day to day life.
Myth: If a woman dresses in a provocative way, she is asking for “it.”
Fact: A woman’s choice of clothing in no way invites rape or provides consent for sex. It is important to remember that rape is the responsibility of the rapist, not the victim.
Myth: People who commit sexual violence really just want sex.
Fact: Sexual violence is NOT just about sex. It is about power and control over another person and meeting one’s own needs at the expense of someone else.
Myth: Most acquaintance rapes are facilitated by special “date rape drugs.”
Fact: More than 75% of sexual assaults involve alcohol use, making alcohol the most common “date rape drug.” Assailants target individuals they perceive as vulnerable, including those intoxicated by alcohol.
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