Myths about rape and sexual assault

Myths about rape and sexual assault


Society has developed beliefs, myths and attitudes about rape and sexual assault which protect us from  dealing with the full import of these issues. These beliefs can have a very damaging effect on the victim.

Rape is the result of overwhelming sexual desire
Sexual assault is an act of violence. It is motivated by anger and domination and degradation, not sexual desire. 

Victims provoke rape by their dress and behaviour
A person may behave and dress in ways which are normal and accepted in society, yet when someone rapes them, they are blamed on the basis of this same behaviour.  The sole responsibility for rape lies with the perpetrator, who has used an imbalance in power in a situation to subject another person to a traumatic and horrifying ordeal.

People are usually sexually assaulted by strangers
Statistics show that up to 50 per cent of clients of rape crisis centres have been sexually assaulted or raped by a person they know. as adults knew their attacker. This can lead to social isolation, leaving work, dropping out of college.

Only young attractive women are raped
Women of any age, appearance, social class, ethnic origin and intellectual ability are victims of rape.  Men and children are also raped, as are people with physical or intellectual disability. Rape is used in war as part of a policy of intimidation.

Men are not raped
Rape and sexual assault of men is very under-reported, partly because of the victims fears of being labeled in a certain way.

Mayo Rape Crisis Centre
FREE HelpLine 1800 234900
Office 094 902 56 57
Email mayorcc@eircom.net


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