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: More than 80% of rapes were committed by people who knew the victim and are often committed in the house of the perpetrator or the victim.
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, but is never justification for sexual assault.
Myth: If a man pays for dinner or a movie, the woman owes him sex.
Reality: A woman doesn't have to do anything in return for a date, especially have sex against her will.
Myth: When a man becomes sexually aroused they have to have sex otherwise they will literally "explode."
Reality: Although it may be desirable, a man suffers no physical consequences if he doesn't have sex when aroused.
Myth: When a woman says "no" she really means "maybe."
Reality: Although mixed messages may be given, when a woman says no she means no. Never assume that no means anything but no and if in doubt, ask.
