The goal of ultimately stopping sexual assault cannot be achieved when there is misinformation surrounding the subject. Myths and misconceptions about sexual assault can be harmful, leaving people in the dark about how to protect themselves and what to do if they are sexually assaulted or abused. Let us help you get in the know by debunking harmful myths.
Sexual Assault Is Usually Committed By a Stranger
Sexual assault is not a crime that is only committed in a dark alley by a stranger. In fact, statistics show that the majority of sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances the victim knows and their intimate partners. Sexual assault can happen anywhere, and often occurs right in the victim’s home by someone they trusted.
Sexual Assault Is Something the Assailant Can’t Control
Hurting someone by committing sex crimes is not something a perpetrator does just because they are “sick” or “deviant.” Sexual assault and abuse are done as a means of exerting power over the abused. It is a matter of controlling a victim through manipulation and an abuse of power. While many different types of people can commit sexual offenses, the motivation is most often to degrade or dominate the victim.
If the Victim Didn’t Fight Back, They Wanted It
No one can predict how they might respond to being sexually assaulted. It is wrong and misleading to assume that if a victim didn’t fight back, they must have wanted the sexual contact. It is also incorrect to think a victim gave consent just because they didn’t say the word “no.” Consent is an enthusiastic agreement to sexual activity. Anything less is sexual assault – regardless of what the individual was wearing or if drugs or alcohol were involved.
It Isn’t Sexual Assault if They Were in a Romantic Relationship
This dangerous misconception can lead to victims in abusive relationships being too afraid or embarrassed to get help. Rape is rape, even if the two parties involved are married, romantically involved or had had consensual intercourse in the past. Individuals still retain their right to give or withhold consent to sexual activity. If sex acts are forced upon them by a spouse, it is still a crime.
Rape Is Uncommon
Sadly, rape occurs more often than most people realize. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and about 1 in 26 men have experienced attempted rape or rape in their lifetimes. More than half of women and almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence that included physical contact.
It Wasn’t Sexual Assault if the Victim Didn’t Immediately Report It
When a victim does come forward with a report of sexual assault, he or she may be met with disbelief or criticism if any amount of time has passed. Yet delayed reporting is common among sexually abused individuals.
Sexual assault can have an immense mental, emotional and psychological effect on a survivor. This can make it difficult to come forward. A victim may have myriad reasons not to report the attack immediately. This does not mean the individual is lying or that it’s too late to seek justice.
Getting Justice Isn’t Worth the Effort
The thought of seeking justice for sexual violence can be intimidating or overwhelming for a survivor. You may assume that speaking to the police or filing a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator will take too much time, money or effort – or that no one will believe you. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Holding an assailant civilly and criminally responsible for sex crimes can not only deliver justice and closure, but take the perpetrator off the streets, as well – protecting would-be victims in the future. With representation from the right Illinois sexual assault lawyer, you can tell your story while being completely protected.
