Common Myths and Realities
A violence prevention program from UB.
Take a Stand, Join the Good Guys
Myth: Rape is a crime committed by strangers jumping out of bushes or in dark alleys.
Reality: At least 80% of all sexual assaults on college campuses are committed by an acquaintance of the victim (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2008).
Myth: Victims of rape asked to be raped by their actions or the way they dress.
Reality: Nobody asks to be raped no matter how they act or dress. An individual's behavior is their choice, and is never justification for sexual assault.
Myth: If you paid for a date or drinks at the club, then they owe you sex.
Reality: A person doesn't have to do anything in return for a date or a drink. They are separate invitations and you should expect separate answers.
Myth: When a man becomes sexually aroused they have to have sex otherwise they will literally "explode".
Reality: Although it may be desirable to have sex when you are aroused, a man suffers no physical consequences if he doesn't have sex when aroused. There is no “point of no return”.
Myth: When a woman says "no" she really means "maybe."
Reality: Although you may think you’re picking up mixed signals, consent is a continuous process. Never assume that no means anything but no and if in doubt - ask.
Myth: Same-sex sexual assault is motivated by gay attraction.
Reality: Same or opposite sex attraction are not the issue when trying to understand what motivates offenders. Sexual assault is predominantly an act of violence, and is committed for similar reasons as other types of assault. Offenders may be acting out of the desire to control, humiliate or harm the victim. Sexual assault is not defined by the gender of the offender or the victim: anyone is capable of assaulting a person of any gender.