Rape is a sexual crime.

Sexual assault is a violent assault acted out in a sexual way. It violates not only the victim's body, but also the victim's integrity, safety and right to control his/her life.

Rapists are creepy looking men who hang out in dark alleys.

In 75% of sexual assaults, the attacker is someone known to the victim: a friend, spouse or relative. The attackers seem normal, just like anyone else. Most are married, and of any race, class, religion, occupation or physical appearance.

The rapist is a sexually unfulfilled person carried away by uncontrollable urges.

Sexual assault is a question of power, not passion, and people can control themselves.

If people stay inside after dark they are safe from rape.

Seventy-five percent of sexual assaults occur at home or in a vehicle.

Rape is a rare occurrence in our society.

Sexual assault has always been a problem in our society and it is getting worse. Reported assaults account for only 10% of all such crimes.

Rapists rarely repeat their crimes.

50% of convicted sexual assaulters repeat their crimes.

Sexual assault of males is a rare occurrence.

Males and females are both vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Since males are expected to take care of themselves, they are less likely to report sexual assault or talk about it. In ever-increasing numbers, men are coming forward to acknowledge the occurrence of recent assaults on them as adults.

Males who are sexually assaulted do not suffer to the same extent as female victims.

Sexual assault is a crime of violence and all victims suffer. Male victims experience the same reaction to the crime as female victims. Some of these reactions include self-blame, fear, anger, relationship problems, questions about sexuality, addictions and trust issues. Not everyone will experience all of these nor to the same extent.

Males are only abused by homosexual men.

The majority of offenders are heterosexual males; only a few are homosexual men. Females can also assault males, using coercion or threats to enforce compliance. Because most offenders are known to the victim, attacks are unexpected and often are not labeled as a sexual assault by the victim.

Eighty percent of offenders fall into the category of acquaintances, such as friends, relatives, coworkers, classmates, etc.

Males assaulted by another male automatically are, or become, homosexuals.

Again, sexual assault is not a crime of sex; it is a crime of violence. The sexual orientation of the victim is not changed by such an attack. A straight male assaulted by another male does not become homosexual any more than a gay man assaulted by a female would become heterosexual. This myth causes many male victims to avoid telling anyone for fear of being labeled gay. It is not uncommon for others, including some police and family members, to believe this and to act negatively.

Male victims of sexual assault can never be normal again. They are permanently damaged.

Although sexual assault is a very traumatic experience, with help victims do recover. The important thing is that help is sought. Healing from a sexual assault is a long, sometimes painful process; dealing with it alone is very difficult. Talking to others who have had similar experiences, or with someone who is supportive, can help the victim cope with the emotional responses to the assault.

The victims secretly want to be raped.

Sexual assault is often violent, terrorizing and humiliating. People do not want to be abused, hurt or humiliated. Fantasies are one thing; reality is another.

The victims "ask for it" by their dress and actions.

No person asks to be hurt or degraded. Most sexual assaults are planned, and when an attacker wants to assault, it makes no difference how the victim looks or how they dress.