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  • Busting the myths

    Busting the myths

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Common myths about sexual assault and sexual harassment

Myth 1: People are more likely to be sexually assaulted by a stranger, at night, on a dark street or in a park.

Nope. Most sexual offenders are known to the victim- typically, a relative, partner, friend or peer. It can happen in the victim’s (or the offenders) home at day or night.

Myth 2: You can’t be sexually assaulted by someone you’re in a relationship with, or have had sex with before.

Forcing or coercing someone to have sex when they don’t want to is sexual assault, regardless of the relationship between the perpetrator and victim. Consent needs to be sought each and every time.

Myth 3: Some people provoke sexual assault by the way they dress or behave.

No one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted, and dressing to feel comfortable or attractive does not suggest otherwise. Perpetrators are responsible for their own actions.

Myth 4: People can only be sexually assaulted by a man with a penis.

Women, men and people with other gender identities can be sexually assaulted by someone of the same or different gender, by use of any body part or other object.

Myth 5: If the victim didn’t say no, or scream and fight, then it wasn’t a sexual assault.

We all react differently to high-stress situations. Some people fight or flight, while others freeze up and withdraw. Many victims become paralysed with fear, which means they are unable to speak up or fight back.

Remember, the absence of a clear and enthusiastic yes is a no.

Check out a list of common myths surrounding sexual assault. While this is not an exhaustive list it is important to get educated and know the facts.

Thank you to the amazing team at Flinders University Student Association for their hard work and dedication in creating this campaign.

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