Facts and Myths

Facts and Myths about Sexual Violence FACTS FOR WOMEN Women on American college campuses who are between the ages of 18 to 24 years are at greater risk of becoming victims of rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking than women in the general population or women in a comparable age group. Research over the past 20 years has consistently shown that the rate of sexual assault among women who are in the 18 to 24 age group is one in four. Studies have consistently shown that the primary targets of sexual assault are women and youths, and that most perpetrators are friends, relatives, acquaintances, or someone else known by the victim. According to the 2003 National Crime Victimization Survey approximately 70% of female rape victims knew their assailant. The National Violence Against Women Survey of 1998 demonstrated that 83% of rape victims were less than 25 years old when they were assaulted. Additionally, half of all stalking victims are between the ages of 18 and 29 years, and women between the ages of 16 and 24 years experience the highest rate of domestic violence victimization. While sexual assault primarily affects young women, they are not the only targets. Women of all ages, men, children, individuals with disabilities, members of cultural and religious minority groups, and lesbian/gay/transgender individuals also experience sexual assault or rape. Every two and a half (2 1/2) minutes a woman is raped or sexually assaulted—this calculation is based on the 2004 National Crime Victimization Survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice. FACTS FOR MEN Men can also be victims of sexual assault and rape. In Orange County 9% of reported rapes involve male victims. The idea that a woman says “no” when she means “yes” is not true. Pushing or turning away is a non-verbal NO! If your partner says “no”—STOP! Be aware that if you are drinking or using drugs, you may not be able to hear the NO your partner is trying to communicate to you. If you are accused of sexual assault, stating that you were drunk and didn’t know what you were doing is not an effective defense against criminal charges. MYTHS Rape occurs because the suspect wanted sex and “just got out of control”. Rape is not sex, and sex is not rape. Rape is an act in which sex is used as a weapon to take power and control over another person. Women are powerless against rape. Many situations can be avoided by trusting your instincts and communicating clearly. Increase safety by using a buddy system with friends when going out, watch your drink, and learn self-defense techniques. Women say no when they mean yes. Understand women mean “no” when they say it— they are not playing “hard to get.” Proceeding with sexual intercourse after someone has refused consent is rape. Only attractive young women are raped. Rape is a crime of violence that can affect any of us. The targets are often the more vulnerable members of society: the elderly, people with disabilities and children. Victims of rape get themselves into bad situations. Rape is always the responsibility of the rapist. A victim’s dress, behavior, and actions do not cause rape. Women who dress sexy are asking to be raped. No one is asking for rape. Women have the right to dress how they like, and that does not excuse or condone sexual assault. << Back