1.8 False Beliefs about Sexual Assault

Many people in society have attitudes and beliefs about sexual assault that are false but that are used to deny and justify sexual assault.

The core false belief is that sexual assault is driven by passion rather than power and control.

These false beliefs seek to blame the survivor for sexual assault rather than putting responsibility where it belongs (with the perpetrator).

Examples include telling or implying to the survivor that:

  1. They are exaggerating the physical, emotional or mental impact of sexual assault;

  2. If they did not fight the perpetrator, that it’s not sexual assault;

  3. They caused the sexual assault by the way they were dressed;

  4. If the perpetrator did not have a weapon, it does not qualify as sexual assault;

  5. If it happened in the survivor’s neighborhood, it does not qualify as sexual assault;

  6. Sexual assault happened because the perpetrator lost control of themselves;

  7. Anyone who dresses in a certain way is inviting sexual assault;

  8. Sexual assault is a result of the perpetrator’s out-of-control sex drive;

  9. The survivor caused the sexual assault by the way they were behaving; and

  10. The survivor caused the sexual assault because they were drinking.

Here are some facts about sexual assault:

  • Men are more likely than women to hold false beliefs about sexual assault.

  • Men who hold false beliefs about sexual assault are more likely to hold negative attitudes towards women; they are also more likely to commit sexual assault.

  • People who hold false beliefs about sexual assault are more likely to accept interpersonal and intimate partner violence.