Common Myths About Sexual Violence

Teen survivors of sexual violence may hear these myths about sexual violence from their peers, family members, television shows or other professionals.

Myths and Facts about Sexual Violence
  • Only young attractive girls are raped.
  • Teens ask for rape by their clothing, behavior or activity.
  • An experience of childhood sexual violence “makes” someone LGBTQ.
  • When an LGBTQ teen is sexually assaulted, they probably like “rough sex” or they were “hitting on” a straight person.
  • If a victim does not fight back, it isn’t rape.
  • Pressuring or coercing a partner for sex is just part of LGBTQ dating.
  • Only men can perpetrate rape.