Myths and Facts About Rape
Myths about rape are all about shifting the responsibility for the crime from the
perpetrator to the victim. Rape and sexual assault are about power and violence,
not sex. The vast majority of sexual assaults are planned carefully and are not
committed because of uncontrollable sexual urges.
| MYTH | FACT |
A rapist is a stranger.
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More than eight out of 10 rapes involve an attack by someone the victim knows; for example, friend, lover, colleague, husband or ex- partner. |
Rape only happens in dark alleys.
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60% of women are attacked inside a building, and for 31% of women the rape occurs in their own home - the most common place of all. |
Women get raped because they
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If a man decides to rape someone, it makes no difference what she is wearing. A man has a responsibility for ensuring that he only has sex with someone who is clear in her consent. |
Rape only happens to certain |
Rape is perpetrated against disabled and able-bodied people, against both sexes, all classes, all races, all cultures and all ages. |
Rapists are monster/maniacs
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Rapists are ordinary men, many are highly respected members of the community and in 1980 in England and Wales, only 2% of convicted rapists were considered to be in need of psychiatric treatment. |
Rape is a crime of sexual needs
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Men can, and do, control their sexual urges. Rape is a crime of violence, control, degradation and intimidation - it is not about sex but about power. The vast majority of rapes are carefully planned. |
Women say "no"
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When women say no they mean no. Sex without consent is rape. |