Maine Maritime Academy

Department of Residential Life

 

Sexual Assault Resources

MYTHS & REALITY

Myth:  Sexual assault is an expression of sexual desire.

Reality: Sexual assault is a crime of violence that uses sex to take power and control from the survivor.  To claim that an individual is unable to control their sexual urges suggests that they are not responsible for their actions or sexual choices beyond a certain point.

A related misconception suggests that men always have the power in determining the course of a sexual relationship - regardless of the wishes of their partners.  However, this idea is also based on the assumption that every sexual assault is committed by a male offender - which is NOT TRUE either.

Myth:  Many victims of sexual assault do not tell anyone about being assaulted.

Reality:  Only a small percentage of sexual assaults are ever reported to the police.  There are many contributing factors to a lack of reporting:  knowing the assailant, fear of not being believed, embarrassment to come forward, or not considering their situation to be sexual assault.

Myth:  Sexual assault is most often committed by someone known to the victim.

Reality:  Sexual assault can be committed by strangers, but is it more likely that the assailant will be an acquaintance, dating or intimate partner, family member, or co-worker. 

Myth:  If a person is raped while he/she is drunk, he/she is at least somewhat responsible.

Reality:  Saying that someone who chooses to drink alcohol is responsible for being raped is implying that he/she does not have the freedom to make personal choices.  It is always the offender's fault if he/she chooses to sexually assault someone else.  The choices a victim made prior to the assault should not be justification. 

Myth:  Victims of sexual assault lie about being sexually assaulted to get attention, revenge, or because they don't want to seem promiscuous.

Reality:  Rape is considered the most underreported violent crime.²  The small percentage of survivors who come forward and report are often faced with intrusive medical exams and drawn-out court proceedings.  Sexua assault is difficult to prosecute as it depends on establishing whether or not consent was given - or if force was utilized.   Many times there is simply not enough information.  However, this does not mean that an individual lied about being sexually assaulted.

Myth:  People who commit same-sex sexual assault must be homosexual.

Reality:  Sexual assault is about power & control - and happens regardless of sexual orientation.  Forcing sexual acts is one tactic an offender can use to dominate, humiliate, and exert power over another person regardless of gender.  It can occur in same-sex and heterosexual relationships - and victims can be any gender.  In one study, 98% of men who raped boys reported that they were heterosexual.²