Hey everyone, so I was just perusing the internet and I found some myths and facts that Roger Williams University posted I think everyone should know. I feel a lot of people are ill informed when it comes to rape and sexual assault so this is was a very good site and very educational. I'm going to post the link if you want to read more that the website had; helping a friend who has suffered an attack, legal definitions and more.
"Myth: Rape is caused by lust or uncontrollable sexual urges and the need for sexual gratification.
Fact: Rape is an act of physical violence and domination that is not motivated by sexual gratification.
Myth: Once a man gets sexually aroused, he can't just stop.
Fact: Men do not physically need to have sex after becoming sexually excited. Moreover, they are still able to control themselves after becoming aroused.
Myth: Women often lie about rape or falsely accuse someone of rape.
Fact: Statistical studies indicate false reports make up 2% or less of the reported cases of sexual assault. This figure is approximately the same for other types of crimes. Only 1 out of 10 rapes are actually reported. Rapes by someone the victim knows are the least likely to be reported.
Myth: Women provoke sexual assault by their appearance. Sexual attractiveness is a primary reason why a rapist selects a victim.
Fact: Rapists do not select their victims by their appearance. They select victims who are vulnerable and accessible. Victims of sexual assault range in age groups from infants to the elderly. Sexual attractiveness is not an issue.
Myth: Sexual assault is a topic that only concerns women, and men do not have to be concerned about sexual assault.
Fact: According to recent rape crisis center statistics, men, both straight and gay, suffered 10% of the sexual assaults reported in the US last year. (Almost all were raped by other men.) In addition, men have wives, friends, sisters, mothers, and daughters who may someday need assistance in coping with sexual assault. Rape is a concern for everyone.
Myth: If a woman really did not want to be raped, she could fight off her attacker.
Fact: Even if the rapist is not carrying a weapon, the element of surprise, shock, and fear, or the threat of harm can overpower a survivor."
--Roger Williams University
This blurb below is also taken directly from Roger Williams University, again I really suggest checking out their website.
"Facts About Sexual Assault
- 1 out of 4 women is sexually assaulted at some point in her life.
- 1 out of 6 men is sexually assaulted at some point in his life.
- Every 15 seconds a woman is beaten by her husband or boyfriend. (FBI Uniform Crime Report, 1991)
- 2-4 million women are abused every year. (American Medical Association)
- 95-98% of victims of domestic violence are women. (Bureau of Statistics)
- Approximately 25% of all women in the U.S. will be abused by current or former partners some time during their lives. (American Medical Association)
- 82.8% of sexual assaults occur before the victim reaches the age of 25.
- 78% of sexual assault victims were assaulted by someone they knew.
- Up to 57% of rapes happened on a date.
- Over 66% of sexual assault victims reported NO visible physical injuries.
- Over 50% of victims and 70% of assailants had used drugs or alcohol prior to the assault..
- Fewer than 20% of crimes of sexual violence are reported to the police.
- Approximately 2% of acquaintance rapes are reported to the police.
- Only 2% of reported sexual assaults have been determined to be false reports.
- 1 in 8 college women is the victim of rape during her college years. 1 in 4 is the victim of attempted rape.
- 95% of these rape victims did not report the rape to officials.
- 25% percent of women were raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, partner or date during their lifetime.
- 84% of the women knew the men who raped them; 57% were on dates --Roger Williams University
IF YOU NEED HELP
If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship or is sexually assaulted, male or female, the Women's Center offers HEART at KU, a sexual assault response team which operates under the direction of Berks Women in Crisis (BWIC) to provide initial support and safety, as needed, to any individual
who is reported to be a victim of sexual assault or relationship violence and to increase awareness of
these issues. The team of trained, certified advocates offers support and compassionate listening as needed
during the initial interview by law enforcement on campus; accompanies or meets the victim at the
hospital, if needed; and distributes information about access to referral services. Services are initiated at the
request of the victim.
To ask for a HEART at KU advocate,
call the BWIC Hotline at 610-372-9540.
To become a part of HEART at KU or to learn more,
stop by the Women’s Center, located in 126 Old Main.
You can also call (610) 683-4655 between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or email Grace Hill at
hill@kutztown.edu.
**The Women's Center also offers free safety whistles!!***
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