Myths and Facts

There are a lot of myths about sexual assault. Most people think of sexual assault as a crime committed by a crazed stranger with a weapon who jumps from behind the bushes or from a dark alley way at night. Although this depiction of sexual assault is very rare, it is often portrayed this way by the media. Most sexual assaults are committed by people known to the victim. Most sexual assaults fall under the category of acquaintance rape. Test out your knowledge of sexual assault myths and facts with this quiz.

1. Rape happens, but not that often

Incorrect

Every 2 and a half minutes, someone in America is sexually assaulted.

Correct

Every 2 and a half minutes, someone in America is sexually assaulted.

2. Most rapes are committed by strangers

Incorrect

Only about 26-28% of rapes are committed by strangers. Most rapes are committed by acquaintances, friends, dating or marital partners, or relatives.

Correct

Only about 26-28% of rapes are committed by strangers. Most rapes are committed by acquaintances, friends, dating or marital partners, or relatives.

3. Only women need to worry about rape.

Incorrect

although 98% of rapes are perpetrated by men toward women, it is estimated that 10% of all rapes involve male victims. It’s also important for men to give thought to these issues because men have a powerful position in helping prevent sexual violence.

Correct

True: although 98% of rapes are perpetrated by men toward women, it is estimated that 10% of all rapes involve male victims. It’s also important for men to give thought to these issues because men have a powerful position in helping prevent sexual violence.

4. Rape is falsely reported all the time.

Incorrect

Most reported rapes are true. The FBI estimates that only 3-5% of all reported rapes are false reports. The bigger problem is that people don’t report sexual assaults at all. Again, according to the FBI, only 37% of all rapes are reported to the police. It’s important to make sure that if someone tells you they’ve been raped, you believe them and encourage them to get help.

Correct

Most reported rapes are true. The FBI estimates that only 3-5% of all reported rapes are false reports. The bigger problem is that people don’t report sexual assaults at all. Again, according to the FBI, only 37% of all rapes are reported to the police. It’s important to make sure that if someone tells you they’ve been raped, you believe them and encourage them to get help.

5. Women who dress or act provocatively target themselves for rape

Incorrect

Rape is not about attractiveness or promiscuity. It’s about control and power over another individual. It’s about inequality. It’s about not respecting others choices. No one asks to be raped no matter what they wear or how they act. It is never the fault of the victim no matter what. The responsibility of rape lies with the person who made the decision to rape, never with the person who was raped – NO MATTER WHAT!

Correct

Rape is not about attractiveness or promiscuity. It’s about control and power over another individual. It’s about inequality. It’s about not respecting others choices. No one asks to be raped no matter what they wear or how they act. It is never the fault of the victim no matter what. The responsibility of rape lies with the person who made the decision to rape, never with the person who was raped – NO MATTER WHAT!

6. It’s ok to have sex with someone who is drunk or high.

Yes as long as you have their permission.

Yes, as long as they are drunk and not high.

None of the above.

Incorrect

Not only is it unfair to have sex with someone whose judgment is impaired due to drugs or alcohol, it is illegal. Individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol do not have the legal rights to consent to sex and are protected by the State of Florida.

Correct

Not only is it unfair to have sex with someone whose judgment is impaired due to drugs or alcohol, it is illegal. Individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol do not have the legal rights to consent to sex and are protected by the State of Florida.

7. Rape can’t happen in a marriage or sexually active relationship.

True, consent is not needed each time a couple has sex

False, sex is something that requires consent each time.

Incorrect

everyone has the choice of what they do with their bodies every second of every day. A person always has the right to consent or not no matter what they decided yesterday, last week, or at any other time.

Correct

everyone has the choice of what they do with their bodies every second of every day. A person always has the right to consent or not no matter what they decided yesterday, last week, or at any other time.

8. If the person doesn’t fight back or seem injured, then it wasn’t really rape.

Yes, because that person gave their consent.

No, It is a misconception that "real" rapes will produce serious physical injury.

Incorrect

70% of rape victims reported no physical injury. 4% sustained serious injuries, while 24% had minor physical injuries. However, 49% describe being fearful of serious injury or death during the rape.

Correct

70% of rape victims reported no physical injury. 4% sustained serious injuries, while 24% had minor physical injuries. However, 49% describe being fearful of serious injury or death during the rape.

End of quiz, how did you do?

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