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Myths and Facts

Myths about rape are pervasive in our culture. They function to discredit victims and make them feel personally responsible so they will not report the rape. Myths also give women a false sense of security and dis-inhibit the behavior of rapists. Replacing myths with facts is the first step in altering the conditions that lead to rape.

MYTH: Rape is a sexual crime, impulsively committed by a man for sexual gratification.

FACT: Rape is a crime of violence and aggression. Its intent is to overpower, degrade, and humiliate the victim.

MYTH: Rape can't happen to me or someone I know.

FACT: Rape victims come from all socioeconomic classes and ethnic backgrounds and range in age from 3 months to 97 years. Men and boys can be victims too. The highest rape victimization rate is for women between the ages of 16 and 19; the second highest is for women between the ages of 20 and 24.

MYTH: Most rapes are committed by strangers in a dark place at night.

FACT: It is estimated that as many as 80% of all rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. Rape can take place anywhere, at any time. Many acquaintance rapes occur in the context of a dating relationship and typically take place on the man's turf. For college women, their normal social environment - a party where alcohol is used - involves more of a risk for sexual victimization than does walking alone down a dark street.

MYTH: Women provoke rape by how they behave, dress, or where they choose to go. Rape is the victim's fault.

FACT: Rape is never the victim's fault. If a woman wants to be involved sexually with a man, it would not be necessary for him to use force or threats of physical violence. Research shows that rapists look for available women they perceive as vulnerable.

MYTH: In a dating situation, when a woman says "no" she really means "yes".

FACT: "No" means NO.

MYTH: Women report rapes to get even with men or to protect their reputations.

FACT: According to the BI, fewer than 2% of reports are false, which is the same percentage for the false reporting of other crimes. In fact, anywhere from 50% to 90% of all rapes are not reported to police.