the majority of sexual assaults are committed by strangers.

Myth #3: It’s not sexual assault if it happens after drinking or taking drugs.įact: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not an invitation for non-consensual sexual activity. Sexual activity forced upon another without consent is sexual assault.

When someone says “No” or “Stop”, that means STOP. If a person is unsure about whether the other person is comfortable with an elevated level of sexual activity, the person should stop and ask. Even if a person went voluntarily to someone’s residence or room and consented to engage in some sexual activity, it does not serve as a blanket consent for all sexual activity. If something happens later, he/she can’t claim that he/she was raped or sexually assaulted because he/she should have known not to go to those places.įact: This “assumption of risk” wrongfully places the responsibility of the offender’s actions with the victim. Myth #2: If a person goes to someone’s room, house, or goes to a bar, he/she assumes the risk of sexual assault. Forcing someone to engage in non-consensual sexual activity is sexual assault, regardless of the way that person dresses or acts. Neither provocative dress nor promiscuous behavior are invitations for unwanted sexual activity. Myth #1: Victims provoke sexual assaults when they dress provocatively or act in a promiscuous manner.įact: Rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person’s determination to exercise power over another. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women compiled the following myths and facts of sexual violence:

The majority of sexual assaults are committed by strangers.