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Sexual Assault Myths
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Understanding and Dispelling Sexual Abuse Myths: With Focus on Native American Communities
Sexual abuse is one of the most misunderstood crimes in our society, often shrouded in misconceptions that can harm survivors and impede justice. This article aims to address common myths about sexual abuse .
Statistical Reality
According to the U.S. Department of Justice:
Native American women are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault compared to women of other races
More than 1 in 3 Native American women (34.1%) will experience rape during their lifetime
Nearly half (49%) of Native American women have experienced sexual violence other than rape
In 96% of cases where Native American women are sexually assaulted, the perpetrator is non-Native (1)
Common Sexual Abuse Myths and Facts
Understanding and Dispelling Sexual Abuse Myths
Myth: Sexual abuse usually occurs as violent attacks by strangers. Reality: The majority of sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the victim. According to the Department of Justice, approximately 80% of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, such as acquaintances, family members, or intimate partners. The presence or absence of physical violence does not define sexual abuse. Learn more about Tactics of Sexual Coercion here.
Myth: Victims often lie about being sexually abused. Reality: False reports of sexual abuse are rare. Studies consistently show that false reporting rates are between 2-8%, similar to false reporting rates for other crimes. The vast majority of sexual abuse goes unreported, with only about 36% of victims reporting their assault to law enforcement. (2)
Myth: Sexual abuse only happens to certain types of people. Reality: Sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. No one "asks for it" or deserves to be sexually abused. Factors like clothing choices, alcohol consumption, or past sexual history never justify sexual violence.
Myth: If there's no physical resistance, it wasn't really abuse. Reality: Many victims do not physically resist during sexual abuse due to fear, shock, confusion, or concern for their safety. The absence of physical resistance does not indicate consent. Some victims may freeze or disassociate during the assault, which are natural psychological responses to trauma.
Myth: A person's clothing choices can invite sexual assault. Reality: Sexual assault is solely the choice of the perpetrator. Research has consistently shown that assaults occur regardless of clothing choices, and perpetrators target people of all ages wearing all types of clothing, from professional attire to winter coats. Clothing is never an invitation for assault, and focusing on a victim's attire shifts responsibility away from the perpetrator's actions.
Myth: Being in certain locations (like walking alone at night or attending parties) means someone is "asking for it." Reality: Everyone has the right to move freely in the world without fear of assault. While personal safety practices can be empowering choices, their absence never justifies assault. Perpetrators make conscious decisions to commit assault, and they alone are responsible for these crimes. Many assaults occur in locations considered "safe," including victims' homes and workplaces.
Myth: Intoxicated victims are partially responsible for their assault. Reality: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs never makes someone responsible for being assaulted. Perpetrators often deliberately target people who are intoxicated because they are more vulnerable. In fact, using alcohol or drugs to facilitate assault is itself a form of premeditated violence. The responsibility always lies with the person who chooses to take advantage of someone who cannot give consent.
Myth: If someone doesn't fight back or say "no," it wasn't really assault. Reality: There are many natural and valid responses to sexual assault beyond physical resistance. The body's autonomic nervous system may respond with "freeze" or "fawn" responses alongside the commonly known "fight or flight" reactions. Many survivors report feeling paralyzed with fear or dissociating during the assault. Additionally, some survivors may not actively resist due to fear of escalating violence, power imbalances, or concern for their safety. The absence of physical resistance does not indicate consent – only an enthusiastic "yes" from someone capable of giving consent constitutes true consent.
Myth: Sexual assault always results in visible injuries or trauma. Reality: Many sexual assaults leave no physical marks or injuries. The absence of physical trauma does not invalidate the assault. Furthermore, different survivors may display varying emotional responses – some might appear calm or composed while others might be visibly distraught. There is no "correct" way for a survivor to behave after an assault, and all responses are valid manifestations of trauma.
Myth: If someone is in a relationship or marriage with the perpetrator, it can't be sexual assault. Reality: Sexual assault can and does occur within intimate relationships and marriages. Being in a relationship does not grant unlimited sexual access to a partner. Each person always maintains the right to say no to sexual activity, regardless of relationship status or previous sexual history with that person. Marital rape is a crime in all 50 states and can be just as traumatic as assault by a stranger.(3) Learn more about How Abusive Partners Use Sexual Assault As A Form of Control here.
Myth: Men cannot be victims of sexual assault. Reality: Sexual assault affects both a male and females. Men and boys can be and are victims of sexual assault. Stereotypes about masculinity and strength often prevent male survivors from reporting or seeking help. According to statistics, about 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence in their lifetime.
Myth: If someone doesn't report immediately or changes their story, they must be lying. Reality: There are many valid reasons why survivors may delay reporting or struggle to provide a linear narrative of their assault. Trauma affects memory processing and recall, which can lead to fragmented or inconsistent memories. Fear, shame, lack of support, or concern about not being believed can all contribute to delayed reporting. Additionally, many survivors may need time to process what happened to them or may only feel safe to report after reaching a place of stability in their lives.
Myth: People who experience sexual assault will never recover or have healthy relationships. Reality: While sexual assault is a serious trauma that can have lasting impacts, survivors can and do heal. With appropriate support, therapy, and resources, many survivors go on to have fulfilling relationships and lives. Each person's healing journey is unique, and there is no timeline for recovery. Many survivors also become powerful advocate.s for change and help others in their healing journeys. Please read further if you know someone who has been sexually assaulted: How To Help A Loved One Who Was Sexually Assaulted.
Issues in Native American communities:
Jurisdictional Complexity: The overlap between tribal, state, and federal jurisdiction can create confusion and gaps in enforcement, often allowing perpetrators to escape justice.
Limited Resources: Many tribal communities lack adequate funding for law enforcement, healthcare, behavioral health services and victim services.
Extensive History of Traumatic Events: The history of extensive traumatic events following European contact continues to impact Native communities, creating additional complications to reporting and healing.
Geographic Isolation: Many reservations are in remote areas, making it difficult for survivors to access medical care and support services.
Steps for Seeking Help
Ensure Immediate Safety
Contact emergency services if in immediate danger
Seek medical attention even if there are no visible injuries
Consider reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for support
Connect with a victim advocate for assistance
Access Medical Care
Visit the nearest Indian Health Service facility or emergency room
Request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) if available
Medical care is important even if you choose not to report
Know Your Rights
You have the right to have an advocate present during medical exams and law enforcement interviews
You can request a same-gender medical provider
You maintain the right to choose whether to report to law enforcement
Consider Reporting Options
Tribal law enforcement
Federal law enforcement (FBI)
State law enforcement (depending on jurisdiction)
Anonymous reporting options may be available
Conclusion
Understanding and dispelling myths about sexual abuse is crucial for creating a supportive environment for survivors and preventing future violence. The situation in Native American communities requires particular attention and resources, given the disproportionate impact of sexual violence on these populations. By acknowledging these realities and knowing available resources, we can better support survivors and work toward preventing sexual violence in all communities.
Remember: Sexual abuse is never the victim's fault, and help is available. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, reach out to StrongHearts Native Helpline for confidential support and assistance.
StrongHearts Native Helpline can help connect you with a Native Provider or providers who are culturally competent. StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) is a safe, anonymous, and confidential domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally competent support and advocacy.
Andre B Rosay, “Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men”, The National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 1, June, 2016
Your teen years are a time for figuring out who you are and what you enjoy, including your sexuality. Experimentation is common, sexual violence is not.
It can be difficult to talk with someone who has experienced something as traumatic as sexual violence. But as a relative, your support can mean a lot to a victim-survivor.
