Myths and Facts on Rape
Myth - Men can't be raped.
Fact Although women's rape rates are much higher than men's, Stats Canada stated that 8% of all sexual assaults have a male victim.
Fact Although women's rape rates are much higher than men's, Stats Canada stated that 8% of all sexual assaults have a male victim.
Myth - Women do not rape.
Fact - Even though it may be less common, a woman rapist is not unheard of. In fact, in April of 2013 a nineteen year old Toronto man pressed charges against four women who sexually assaulted him after they offered him a ride home (nationalpost.com)
Fact - Even though it may be less common, a woman rapist is not unheard of. In fact, in April of 2013 a nineteen year old Toronto man pressed charges against four women who sexually assaulted him after they offered him a ride home (nationalpost.com)
Myth - Rapes are committed by a stranger in a dark alley or an abandoned house.
Fact - While there may be some accounts of rape that fit this description, acts of sexual violence can be committed anywhere, not just in a secluded or rundown part of town. Also, The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network stated that 50% of all sexual assaults happen within one mile of the victim's home and that 2/3 of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.
Fact - While there may be some accounts of rape that fit this description, acts of sexual violence can be committed anywhere, not just in a secluded or rundown part of town. Also, The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network stated that 50% of all sexual assaults happen within one mile of the victim's home and that 2/3 of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.
Myth - Rape is cause by an uncontrollable need for sexual gratification.
Fact - Sexual assault is a violent act taken out to exert power or dominance over another person, not because of a case of extreme lust.
Fact - Sexual assault is a violent act taken out to exert power or dominance over another person, not because of a case of extreme lust.
Myth - Women often lie about being raped.
Fact - Although there have been cases of this happening, it is not common or normal. According to the Huffington Post, only 2% of rape claims are false. That means that the other 98% are real, and honest accusations.
Fact - Although there have been cases of this happening, it is not common or normal. According to the Huffington Post, only 2% of rape claims are false. That means that the other 98% are real, and honest accusations.
Myth - The less clothing you're wearing, the more likely you are to be sexually assaulted.
Fact - Rapists do not choose their victims on their physical appearance, it is more about vulnerability and accessibility. Sexual crimes have been committed against people wearing all different types of clothing.
Fact - Rapists do not choose their victims on their physical appearance, it is more about vulnerability and accessibility. Sexual crimes have been committed against people wearing all different types of clothing.
Myth - If someone really did not want to be raped they could fight off their attacker.
Fact - There are many circumstances surrounding a rape that could stop someone from being able to get away from their assailant. For example, if it is a child or elderly person involoved, they may not be physically able to stop the assault. Also, according to Sexual Assault Canada, one in five rapes involve some sort of weapon. This form of intimidation would make it very hard for someone to get away. However, even if their was no weapon used, an individual's shock and fear of harm could stop them from fighting back.
Fact - There are many circumstances surrounding a rape that could stop someone from being able to get away from their assailant. For example, if it is a child or elderly person involoved, they may not be physically able to stop the assault. Also, according to Sexual Assault Canada, one in five rapes involve some sort of weapon. This form of intimidation would make it very hard for someone to get away. However, even if their was no weapon used, an individual's shock and fear of harm could stop them from fighting back.
Myth - An erection or vaginal lubrication can't happen during sexual assault and if it did, the victim must have secretly wanted it.
Fact - When a person is exposed to unwanted sexual stimuli, their body may still react by producing lubrication or an erection. This does not mean that they are enjoying the experience or have become sexually aroused. In fact, the British Psychological Society has stated that Vaginal Lubrication may also occur to protect the cervix from injury during an attack.
Fact - When a person is exposed to unwanted sexual stimuli, their body may still react by producing lubrication or an erection. This does not mean that they are enjoying the experience or have become sexually aroused. In fact, the British Psychological Society has stated that Vaginal Lubrication may also occur to protect the cervix from injury during an attack.