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: It’s only rape if someone is physically forced into sex and has the injuries to show for it
Fact: Many people may be unable to move or speak from fear and shock, due to the fight or flight response. They may also be in a coercive or controlling relationship with their rapist, and/or too young to give consent (under 16). Sex without consent is rape. Just because someone doesn't have visible injuries, doesn't mean they weren't raped.
Myth: If two people have had sex with each other before, it's always okay to have sex again
Fact: Informed consent must be freely given and received every time two people engage in sexual contact, even if they are in a relationship or have had sex before. Everyone is allowed to change their mind at any point during sexual activity, and their wishes should always be respected.
Myth: Women are most likely to be raped after dark by a stranger, so women shouldn't go out alone at night or wear revealing clothes
Fact: According to Rape Crisis, around 90% of rapes are committed by someone known to them, and often by someone who they have previously trusted or even loved. Rapists could be friends, colleagues, family members or exes; rape can occur in places which seem safe, like the home. We shouldn’t be asking people to limit normal, daily activities – it is the rapist that needs to change their behaviour, and there is no excuse for sexual violence.
Myth: People of certain backgrounds are more likely to commit sexual violence
Fact: There is no typical rapist. People who commit sexual violence come from every economic, ethnic, racial, age and social group. Some people think that children who were sexually abused will grow up and become abusers themselves – this is also not true.
Myth: Men don't get raped
Fact: Men are also raped and sexually assaulted – no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. They may often worry they won't be believed, which can act as a barrier to accessing support or reporting options.
Myth: Women don't commit sexual offences
Fact: Often people who've been sexually assaulted or abused by a woman worry they won't be believed or that their experiences won't be considered 'as bad'. This can make it difficult for these survivors to access services or justice.
Myth: People often lie about being raped because they regret having sex with someone, or for attention
Fact: False allegations of rape are very rare. In fact, most victims and survivors never report it to the police. One reason for this is the fear of not being believed. It's really important that we challenge this myth so those who've been through sexual violence can get the support and justice they need and deserve.
Myth: Victims and survivors should act a certain way after being raped
Fact: There is no right or wrong way to react to rape or sexual violence – everyone responds differently to trauma. It’s common to feel numb or unaffected at first, or to not feel the effects of the trauma until a long time after the event. Many people don’t feel able to talk about what happened to them for months or even years. Just because someone isn’t acting in a certain way or following a certain timeline, doesn’t mean they are not telling the truth about their experience.
If you’ve experienced sexual violence 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