Wichita State University
Sexual Violence Myths
Myth #1: Individuals who dressed provocatively and behave promiscuously “asked for it”.
Fact: Sexual assault are crimes of violence and are acts to exert power and control over the other person. Provocative dressing or promiscuous behaviors are not invitations for unwanted sexual activity. Regardless of one’s behavior and dressing, forcing someone to engage in non-consensual sexual activity is sexual assault and is a serious crime.
Myth #2: It's not sexual assault if alcohol and drugs are involved.
Fact: A person who is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol does not invite for non-consensual sexual activity. Substance use may increase the risk of sexual assault, and may make someone incapable of providing consent to any sexual activity, but it is not the reason or cause of the assault. It is others who choose to take advantage of the situation and sexually assault him/her while the latter is cognitively impaired due to alcohol and/or drug use. Remember, any unwanted and non-consensual sexual activity is a sexual assault.
Myth #3: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers.
Fact: Most sexual assaults and rapes are committed by someone the survivor knows. The perpetrator can be an intimate partner, family member, friend, or acquaintance. Sexual assault can happen in any relationship, including in marriage, in dating relationships, in friendships, and in working relationships. Regardless of the type of relationship between the survivor and perpetrator, any unwanted sexual activity is still sexual assault and is a serious crime.
Myth #4: Only young, pretty women are assaulted.
Fact: Sexual assault is not based on sex and physical attraction. It is a crime of power and control. Hence, anyone who is deemed as vulnerable by the perpetrator is a potential target. This can range in age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Hence, men and boys can be sexually assaulted too. Person with disabilities have also reported being sexually assaulted.
