5 Myths About Sexual Assault—Debunked

Despite growing awareness, many survivors still face blame, disbelief, or silence—largely because of myths society continues to believe about sexual violence. These harmful ideas don’t just shape public opinion—they impact how survivors heal, how communities respond, and whether justice is ever truly accessible.

At Christina’s Courage, we believe facts save lives. So let’s take a closer look at five of the most common myths about sexual assault—and why they’re simply not true.

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🚫 MYTH 1: "If they didn’t fight back, it wasn’t really assault."

✅ TRUTH: Freezing is a common trauma response.

When people feel threatened or unsafe, their brains don’t always choose “fight or flight.” Many survivors freeze, dissociate, or go completely still. This response is biological—and it doesn’t mean they consented or wanted what happened.

Survivors don’t need to prove they resisted. They were violated. That’s enough.

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🚫 MYTH 2: "Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers in dark alleys."

✅ TRUTH: Most survivors know their attacker.

In the majority of cases, sexual assault is committed by someone the survivor knows—a friend, date, coworker, partner, or even a family member. These situations can feel confusing or complicated, which is exactly why many survivors don’t come forward.

But no relationship—past or present—ever implies automatic consent.
If someone violated your boundaries, it wasn’t your fault.

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🚫 MYTH 3: "If they were drinking, it’s partly their fault."

✅ TRUTH: Consent cannot be given under intoxication—period.

Alcohol and drugs do not cause sexual assault—people do.
Survivors are never responsible for someone else’s decision to violate their body, no matter what they were wearing, drinking, or doing. Blaming victims for being intoxicated is a tactic used to deflect blame away from the offender.

Intoxicated people cannot legally give consent. That’s not an opinion—it’s the law.

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🚫 MYTH 4: "They’re probably making it up for attention."

✅ TRUTH: False reports are rare—and survivors gain little by coming forward.

Studies consistently show that only 2–10% of sexual assault reports are false—a rate similar to other crimes. Meanwhile, survivors who speak out often face judgment, disbelief, and stigma.

No one chooses to relive their trauma in court or under public scrutiny unless they’re seeking justice and healing.

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Let’s start by believing them.

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🚫 MYTH 5: "They didn’t say no, so it must’ve been okay."

✅ TRUTH: Consent requires a clear, enthusiastic yes.

Silence is not consent. Compliance is not consent. Fear is not consent.

True consent is:

• Freely given (no pressure or coercion)
• Reversible at any time
• Informed and enthusiastic
• Specific to the act at hand

If someone didn’t or couldn’t say yes—it wasn’t consent.

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Why This Matters

When we challenge myths, we make it easier for survivors to speak up. We create safer environments for disclosure. We shift the blame where it belongs—off the survivor and onto the perpetrator.

If someone tells you they’ve been hurt, believe them. Listen without judgment. Support without conditions.

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Need Support? We’re Here.

At Christina’s Courage, we provide free, confidential services to survivors of sexual violence—no matter how long ago it happened or whether you reported.

📞 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-888-956-7273
Learn About Our Services →