Many myths exist about sexual assault. As you will note, most of these deal with issues of class, race, perpetrator motive, and victim responsibility. Myths confuse the issues of sexual assault, placing blinders on how the public views the problem. We must become aware of factual information before we can begin to effectively understand sexual assault.
Rape is sex.
Rape is a crime motivated by a need to control, humiliate and harm. Rapists use sexual assault as a weapon to hurt and dominate others. The way people look, act or dress does not invite sexual assault. Victims are selected because they appear vulnerable. Sexual assault is an act of violence.