Myths vs Facts

Myth:  "Women lie about being raped/assaulted because they regret having sex with someone or want attention”

Fact:   Around 4% of reported cases of sexual violence are suspected or found to be false. False allegations of sexual violence are roughly the same as those for other crimes. 

Myth:  "If someone doesn’t fight back, then it wasn’t rape”

Fact: There are many reasons why someone might not scream or struggle. In fact, many people find that they cannot move or speak at all – this is a very common reaction. Some rapists also use manipulation or threats to intimidate or control the other person. No matter whether or not someone 'fights back', if they didn’t freely consent to sex then it is rape.

Myth: "If someone gets really drunk, it’s their own fault if they end up getting raped"

Fact: Just because a person is drunk or has taken drugs does not automatically mean that they must be looking for, or willing to have, sex. People have the right to drink alcohol without getting assaulted. Having sex with someone who is very drunk, drugged or unconscious is rape – and it is always the rapist’s fault.

Myth: "Women wearing revealing clothing are inviting rape"

Fact:  Wearing certain clothing or being flirtatious does not mean you are consenting to sex  It doesn’t matter what a woman is wearing. Her clothing or behaviour does not mean she is consenting to sex. 

Myth “Rape or sexual assault is mostly committed by strangers"

Fact:   Statistically rape and serious assaults occurs most frequently between perpetrators and survivors who know each other. This includes friends, family members, casual relationships and long term relationships.  Other acts of sexual violence such as inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, are more likely to occur with strangers in public spaces such as venues or public transport. 

Myth: "When it comes to sex, men have a point of no return"

Fact:  Men can control their urges to have sex just as women can. No-one needs to rape someone for sexual satisfaction. Rape is an act of violence and control.

Myth: "When it comes to sex, women and girls give out mixed signals. They sometimes 'play hard to get' and say 'no' when they really mean 'yes'"

Fact: Everyone has the legal right to say 'no' to sex and to change their mind at any point of sexual contact. If the other person doesn't stop, they are committing sexual assault or rape. When it comes to sex, we must check in with that person, respect their wishes, and believe what they tell us about what they do and don't want.

Myth: "The victim had previously had sex with them so must have consented"

Fact: Everyone has the right to say 'no' to any type of sexual activity at any time.  A person who has freely chosen to have sexual activity with another person in the past does not, as a result, give general consent to sexual intercourse with that person on any other occasion.