MYTHS AND FACTS:

Taken from “Rape and Sexual Assault: What You Should Know,” Binghamton University

MYTH: Most rapists are psychopathic strangers.
FACT: Most victims know their rapists. Statistics tell us that approximately 68% of rapes are committed by assailants known to the victims, including friends, acquaintances, spouses and intimate partners.

MYTH: Only women can be sexually assaulted.
FACT: Any male, regardless of age, disability or sexual orientation, can be the victim of a sexual assault.

MYTH: When men become sexually aroused, they need to have sex, or they could suffer physical injuries.
FACT: Men do not suffer any physical consequences if they are not sexually stimulated once being aroused.

MYTH: When a woman says “no”, she really means “maybe.”
FACT: Men and women may both give and receive mixed messages. But remember that rape is a crime. If a woman says “no,” you should believe her.

MYTH: If both people are drunk at the time of the incident, no one can be accused of rape.
FACT: Being drunk does not mean someone cannot be accused of and convicted of rape.