There are many commonly-held myths and misconceptions around sexual violence. These can lead to an increased prevalence of these instances, poor support for victims/survivors and incorrect outcomes in formal reporting procedures.
Here are some common myths and misconceptions, and the truths to counteract them. Email us on standingtogether@le.ac.uk if you have any more you'd like us to include.
Myth: If it was that bad, they’d leave
Fact: People stay in abusive situations for many different reasons, and it can be extremely difficult to leave (even if they want to). They may still love their partner or family member and believe them when they apologise and say that it won’t happen again. They may also fear for their own safety, or the safety of their children, if they try to leave. Abusers may isolate their victims socially and financially, creating further barriers.
Myth: Domestic abuse always involves physical violence
Fact: Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour. This can include physical or sexual abuse, but may also be stalking, coercive control or emotional abuse – and these types of abuse can be just as powerful and damaging.
Myth: It’s not done on purpose, they just lose their temper sometimes
Fact: There is no excuse for abuse – whether that's alcohol, drugs, stress, or their partner’s behaviour. It is normal in a healthy relationship not to get on all the time, but it is not normal to live in fear of your partner. Abusers are very much in control. They know what they are doing, and they are aware of the effects that their behaviour has.
Myth: Abuse only happens between a man and a woman
Fact: Domestic abuse can occur in any kind of relationship. Intimate partner violence occurs in same-sex and queer relationships just as it does in heterosexual relationships. Familial violence (e.g. from parents or adult siblings) is also domestic abuse, as is so-called honour based abuse.
If you’ve experienced domestic abuse and you are a University of Leicester student, you can speak to the Standing Together team for support. You can make a disclosure via Report and Support, and a member of the team will be in touch.
If you don't want to speak to someone at the university, you can access more information and learn about support in the community here