Myth - Real rape occurs when a stranger attacks you while walking alone in a dark alley.
Fact - Truth is,only 1 out of 5 rapes happen like this. Most victims know their attackers.
Myth - I can avoid being sexually assaulted if I avoid dangerous places.
Fact - Just as most victims know their attacker, most assaults occur in what the victim would have thought to be a safe place. Many times the assault occurred at the place of residence of the victim or the attacker.
Myth - Women provoke sexual assault by wearing revealing clothing or acting promiscuously.
Fact - Women have the freedom to wear what they want to wear. Wearing a short skirt is not asking to be sexually assaulted. No means no, regardless of a woman's sexual history.
Myth - It's not sexual assault if one or both parties had been drinking or using drugs.
Fact - Alcohol and drugs impair one's judgment. While under the influence, no one is fully able to give consent. If a person is drunk, he/she is in a vulnerable position, but that is no reason to take advantage of them. If no consent was given, it is still sexual assault. Silence does not mean consent.
Myth - Only young and attractive women get sexually assaulted.
Fact - Sexual assault is not just about sex. It is also about power and dominance. Anyone regardless of age, race, or level of attractiveness can be sexually assaulted.
Myth - It is only rape if the victim fights back and has visible scars.
Fact - No means no. Just because a person did not fight back does not mean it was a wanted action. Many factors could explain why a person would not fight back: dissociation, shock, or trying to save one's life.
Myth - It is not sexual assault/rape if the people are married.
Fact - Spousal rape does occur. These rapes tend to be more violent than other rapes. Many times one partner asserts dominance over the other and expects married "duties" to be fulfilled. Being married does not mean surrendering rights to one's own body.
Myths: Domestic Violence
Myth - The abused must deserve or enjoy the abuse or else they'd leave.
Fact - Many people in abusive relationships feel they have nowhere to go or fear for their lives. Many times the abuser has the victim convinced that they do deserve the abuse, but that is not the case. Nothing you could have done warrants violence.
Myth - Domestic violence only occurs in lower socio-economic households.
Fact - Anyone regardless of wealth, status, occupation, reputation can be affected by domestic violence as a victim or abuser.
Myth - Domestic violence is always inflicted by husbands on wives.
Fact - Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence occurs in households and relationships other than those between husbands and wives. Domestic violence can occur in same-sex couple as well as relationships where the people are not married or even live together.
Myth - It's no one else's business what goes on.
Fact - If someone is getting hurt, it is everyone's business to try to help. The courts have a right to intervene and legal help can be sought. Recognizing there is a problem and showing support to someone who is in an abusive situation is a great way to make a difference in that person's life.