When it comes to sexual assault and violence, separating myths and facts is more than just clearing up confusion—it’s about protecting people and supporting survivors. Myths about sexual assault are still everywhere, and they impact how we treat victims, how we educate others, and how we hold offenders accountable. Knowing the real facts about unwanted sexual contact helps build a safer, more informed world.

Sexual violence isn’t rare or isolated—it’s a public health and justice issue that affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States alone annually. It happens in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities, and the trauma it causes can last a lifetime. Survivors often face silence, stigma, and disbelief—fueled by false beliefs that need to be challenged.

Before we can dive into the myths and facts about sexual violence, it’s important to understand what it actually is. Sexual violence is a broad term that covers any unwanted sexual activity—anything from inappropriate touching to forced sex—where someone is pressured, tricked, manipulated, or physically coerced into participating.

Sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background, and it doesn’t always look the way people expect it to. The harm caused by sexual violence isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, psychological, and often long-lasting. 

Survivors may struggle with trust, self-worth, relationships, or mental health challenges like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety. And while laws vary by state, the common thread is that sexual violence involves a lack of clear, voluntary, and enthusiastic consent. That’s why understanding the full scope of what sexual violence includes is key to recognizing it, talking about it, and, ultimately, preventing it.

Any kind of misconduct or behavior that happens without clear, voluntary consent. It covers a wide range of actions—from groping and inappropriate touching to attempted or completed rape. A lot of people think it only means violent, forced sex, but that’s not true. It can also include things like someone pressuring you into sexual activity, touching you when you’re asleep or unable to consent, or using intimidation or manipulation to get what they want.

What matters most is that consent wasn’t freely given—and that can’t happen if someone is unconscious, under the influence, afraid, or simply says no (or doesn’t say yes). It doesn’t matter what someone was wearing, who they were with, or what the situation looked like on the outside. If it wasn’t consensual, it’s sexual assault. Understanding this helps challenge harmful myths and supports a culture of respect and safety.

When it comes to sexual violence, what people think they know is often shaped more by what they see in the media than by real experiences. Myths about sexual violence don’t just create confusion—they influence how survivors are treated, how the justice system responds, and how society reacts overall. These false beliefs also increase shame and stigma, making it harder for people to speak up, seek support, or even recognize that what happened to them was a violation of their consent.

Myth: Only women experience sexual violence

Fact: People of all genders can experience unwanted sexual contact, including men and LGBTQ+ individuals. Male survivors often feel pressure to stay silent due to harmful stereotypes about masculinity. This can lead to deep emotional struggles, often hidden behind masking behaviors like rage, denial, or self-medication for anxiety.

Myth: Most incidents are committed by strangers

A common and harmful myth is that these experiences happen in dark alleys, involving people the survivor has never met. In reality, most acts of sexual violence are carried out by someone the person knows—like a partner, friend, coworker, or even a family member. This truth can be incredibly hard to accept and makes speaking up even more complicated. It also deeply affects a survivor’s ability to trust others and feel safe in everyday relationships.

Myth: Survivors should act a certain way

Fact: There is no “correct” way to respond to trauma. Some survivors cry, some shut down, and others may seem unaffected. The way someone reacts doesn’t determine whether a violation occurred. Expectations around “how a victim should behave” often reinforce damaging rape myths and lead to disbelief or invalidation, especially when trauma is compounded by anxiety or dissociation.

Myth: If they didn’t say “no,” it wasn’t unwanted

Fact: Many victims freeze during unwanted sexual experiences. Many survivors feel paralyzed in the moment. Just because someone didn’t scream “No!” or fight back doesn’t mean they gave consent. The absence of resistance is not the same as permission.

Myth: False reports are common

Fact: False reports are incredibly rare—research shows they account for only 2–10% of all cases. This myth not only hurts real survivors but also benefits those who commit sexual violence by casting doubt on all victims. Spreading this false narrative discourages people from coming forward and seeking justice.

Why many survivors don’t report

Many survivors of sexual violence never report what happened to law enforcement—and that’s valid. The legal process can be retraumatizing. Survivors may worry about not being believed, being blamed, or reliving their trauma in court. In some cases, their perpetrator may be someone they depend on for housing, employment, or support, which adds another layer of difficulty.

Even when survivors do report, only a small percentage of cases result in arrest or conviction. That’s why it’s important to respect each survivor’s decision about whether or not to pursue legal action. Support means empowering them to make the best choice for themselves—not pressuring them to follow a particular path.

Myth: What someone was wearing determines consent

Fact: Consent must be clear, informed, and voluntary. What someone wears or how much they drink doesn’t mean they’re asking for sex—and it doesn’t excuse sexual activity without consent. On college campuses and in bars, alcohol or other substances such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine, are often used to blur boundaries, leading to far too many attempted rape situations that go unreported or misunderstood. This myth shifts blame to the victim instead of focusing on the person who chose to commit the offense.

Myth: Only young women experience sexual violence

Fact: Sexual violence affects people of all ages, appearances, backgrounds, and abilities. In fact, violence against marginalized populations is significantly underreported and often ignored.

Marginalized communities include people of color, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Native women; LGBTQ+ individuals; people with disabilities and mental health conditions like bipolar disorder; undocumented immigrants; and those who have experienced homelessness or incarceration. 

These groups often face additional barriers when seeking help, including discrimination, lack of access to culturally competent services, language obstacles, and fear of law enforcement or deportation. People with disabilities are also at a heightened risk and often rely on caregivers who may be the perpetrators of the abuse. LGBTQ+ survivors may fear being outed or dismissed, especially in spaces not equipped to support their identities.

The facts about sexual violence show that 1 in 5 women and nearly 25% of men in the United States have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime—but many incidents go unreported. 

Even when survivors recognize what happened, reporting isn’t easy. Shame, fear of retaliation, stigma, and a lack of support make it difficult. Misinformation, blaming the victim, or questioning their truth only makes it worse.

That’s why knowing the myths and facts about sexual violence is so important. It helps create a culture where survivors feel safe, believed, and supported—and that’s the first step toward healing and justice.

Sexual violence on campus

College is supposed to be an exciting time—new friends, late-night study sessions, campus events, and a chance to figure out who you are. But for too many students, it’s also where they first encounter sexual violence. In fact, the first few months of the first year of college are so commonly associated with risk that experts call it the “red zone”—a period when sexual abuse and harassment are most likely to occur.

One of the most common myths is that sexual violence on campus only happens at wild frat parties when someone’s had too much to drink and “didn’t say no.” But consent isn’t automatically given because someone’s drinking—or because they didn’t scream or fight back.

Another harmful myth is that unwanted sexual contact only happens to careless or irresponsible people. The truth is that anyone can become a target. What matters most is not what someone wore or whether they were at a party—someone chose to ignore consent.

Myths about sexual violence can have a lasting impact on survivors. These false beliefs can make someone question their own experience, minimize the harm they endured, or feel too ashamed to ask for help. Harmful assumptions like “they must have been asking for it” or “it wasn’t really that serious if they were dating” can prevent people from getting the mental health support and care they need.

When survivors do choose to speak up, they’re often met with doubt, blame, or judgment. That response alone is a huge reason many people never tell anyone what happened. Instead of being met with empathy, they’re faced with loaded questions and outdated ideas that reflect rape myths more than the actual facts about sexual violence. This kind of stigma can damage someone’s ability to trust—not just others but even themselves.

That’s why it’s so important to challenge the myths and facts surrounding these experiences—not just for accountability but for healing. Survivors are more likely to seek help, access therapy, and speak honestly when they know they’ll be believed and supported. Breaking down rape myths is an essential step toward creating a world where healing is possible and support is accessible.

If someone shares that they’ve experienced sexual violence, how you respond matters. Start by listening without judgment. Don’t ask questions that suggest blame, like “Why were you there?” or “What were you wearing?” Instead, say things like, “I believe you” and “It’s not your fault.”

Support can also mean helping a survivor find a therapist, accompanying them to medical or legal appointments, or simply checking in. Learn about local resources or national hotlines like RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE) that offer confidential support.

Being trauma-informed means understanding that healing takes time. Some survivors might want to talk, while others may not. Respect their boundaries, offer consistent support, and remember: you don’t have to “fix” it—you just have to be there.

Healing from sexual violence isn’t a straight path—it looks different for everyone. But one thing is clear: no one should go through it alone. Having access to strong support systems can make a huge difference in the recovery process. Friends, family, advocates, and especially trained mental health professionals are key in helping survivors feel heard, safe, and empowered.

Seeking mental health treatment—especially trauma-informed care—is one of the most powerful steps a survivor can take. If you or someone you know is trying to move forward after experiencing sexual violence, Pacific Health Group offers compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for survivors of sexual assault and violence. Our licensed professionals understand the emotional weight survivors carry and create a safe space to work through it all. We also offer flexible telehealth appointments.

Healing takes time, but it’s absolutely possible with the right resources and people by your side. You are not alone, and there is help. For support or to get started with therapy, call 1-877-811-1217 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com.