Sexual Assault Facts

Myth: “Anyone could prevent sexual assault if they wanted to, people can not be sexually assaulted against their will.”

Fact: A sexual assault victim’s first concern is to survive in the moment. When faced with a violent attack against a person’s physical self, his or her body will respond in whatever way most likely guarantees survival, even if it seems illogical to an outside observer. This response is often referred to as the fight, flight, or freeze response. No one but the victim can say what he or she is or “should be” capable of during an attack.

Myth: “Most of the time, sexual assault occurs because the victim/survivor is ‘asking for it.’”

Fact: Nobody asks to be sexually assaulted. Sexual assault and rape are acts of violence and control in which a perpetrator seeks power over another person. Victim/survivors often fear for their safety or lives during an attack. Clothing, behavior, or personal choices never justify sexual violence. Responsibility for these acts always lies with the perpetrator.

Myth: “Women frequently falsely report rape to ‘get back at’ another person, put themselves in the spotlight, or promote an agenda.”

Fact: Research consistently shows that the rate of false reports for sexual assault is no higher than for other violent crimes. In fact, sexual assault remains one of the most underreported crimes in the United States. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, an estimated 63% of sexual assaults are never reported. Survivors often face many barriers to reporting, including fear, stigma, and concerns about being believed.

Myth: “Only women are victims of sexual assault.”

Fact: Sexual assault can and does happen to anyone. People of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds experience sexual violence. Sexual assault affects all individuals, families, and communities.

Myth: “They were not seriously hurt, they should be able to get over it.”

Fact: Sexual assault can have profound and lasting effects on survivors. Many individuals experience significant emotional and psychological trauma following an assault. Research indicates that 50-95% of survivors may develop symptoms of PTSD. Healing is a personal process that takes time, support, and understanding.