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Many myths circle around about one of the most hateful crimes against women: rape. However, experts are sharing these myths and countering these misstatements with facts, in order to spread knowledge about rape and help victims come forward and heal.
Sheela Raja, an assistant professor and clinical psychologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, shared five rape myths via email that she believes are important to debunk:
1) “You cannot get pregnant from a rape (there is absolutely NO medical evidence to back up this statement).”
2) “Rape rarely happens between people who know each other (in fact, stranger rape is much less prevalent).”
3) “Women invite rape by dressing provocatively. We don't invite being robbed by carrying a purse or wallet. No one has the right to use someone else sexually against their will.”
4) “Women who have been victimized before (like sex workers) get used to being raped. That is actually just the opposite. The more you have [been] victimized, the more serious your mental health symptoms become and the more help you need to survive and thrive.”
5) “Unless you are physically injured, rape is not really that damaging. In fact, the interpersonal betrayal involved in rape is often one of the most difficult aspects for survivors.”
Tina B. Tessina, an author and psychotherapist, shared other common rape myths via email:
1) “The primary myth, perpetrated by men, is 'she really wanted it' – which excuses the man from any responsibility for controlling his impulses and places all the blame on the woman.”
2) “There's a pervasive myth that posits that men have a right to sexual gratification, and it doesn't matter who is hurt in the process. Men who are considered to have sexual prowess are lionized by the male community, and even some of the female community. Somehow, being sexual brutes becomes a way to be highly thought of.”
3) “There are lots of mythic excuses for sexual misconduct: I was drunk, she dressed provocatively, my wife doesn't satisfy me, and others which purport to make it OK for men to act out in an emotionally immature way. Many excuses are made for male sexual behavior.”
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