If you are a victims who needs immediate assistance or for information on how to help a friend who has experienced sexual violence, please see our For Survivors page. When we pass along these myths to our children, families, and friends, or allow them to be promoted in our schools, churches, and courts, we are maintaining incorrect information about a serious problem that affects all of us.
Rape is caused by the victim.
If a woman flirts or wears sexy clothing, she is asking for it. It takes away a person's control over her or his own body and choices. Both men and women may want to look attractive, but no one asks for or enjoys a violent physical attack which puts her or him at risk of injury, disease, pregnancy, or death. It cannot happen to me. Assailants seek out victims who they perceive to be vulnerable.