Myths About Sexual Assault

Myths are stories or ideas we've heard or been taught that are not based on facts. Myths about sexual assault may influence the way you feel and how your family and friends react.

Some of the common myths about sexual assault are:

• Women deserve to be sexually assaulted
• Women attract sexual assault by the way they dress and behave
• People make up stories about being sexually assaulted
• Men who sexually assault people can't control themselves
• Alcohol and being drunk makes men sexually assault
• Rapists don't look like ordinary men
• When a woman says no, she usually means yes
• If you are abused by your partner, husband or father it is not sexual assault. 

These myths make people feel it is their fault instead of blaming the person who committed the crime. For people who are sexually assaulted, this can make the feelings of shame, humiliation and isolation worse.