Sexual Assault Prevention, 
Response, & Recovery (SAPRR) Program

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SAPRR Myths, Facts and Trends

Myth vs. Fact

Myth -- A perpetrator of sexual assault is sexually driven.
FACT: SEXUAL ASSAULT IS ABOUT POWER AND CONTROL, NOT SEX DRIVE.

Myth -- No respectable person would allow himself/herself to be sexually assaulted.
FACT: SEXUAL ASSAULT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING RESPECTABLE; IT IS A CRIME.

Myth -- How can a smaller man sexually assault a stronger, bigger man?
FACT: IT IS NOT ABOUT BEING HOMOSEXUAL BECAUSE IT IS NOT ABOUT SEX.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL, WEAPONS, OR ABUSE OF AUTHORITY MAKE IT POSSIBLE.


Myth -- Sexual assault victims must have done something to deserve to be assaulted.
FACT: NO ONE DESERVES TO BE A VICTIM OF A CRIME, REGARDLESS OF A BAD CHOICE, DRINKING, OR BEHAVIOR.

Myth -- If there is no physical evidence of violence, there could not have been a sexual assault.
FACT: OFTEN THERE IS NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE ESPECIALLY IF THE VICTIM IS ASLEEP, INCAPACITATED, OR UNCONSCIOUS.

Myth -- Why is it that women are not held responsible for the sexual assault if they were drinking too? It's not his fault she got so drunk she couldn't consent. She didn’t fight back.
FACT: THE PERSON COMMITTING THE CRIME IS AT FAULT.

Myth -- If an individual is not hysterical after being sexually assaulted, he/she is probably lying.
FACT: EVERYONE RESPONDS DIFFERENTLY; THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO ACT LIKE A VICTIM.

Facts About Sexual Assault

Most sexual assault offenders are repeat offenders because of the low chance of being caught. Sexual assault is a societal problem. According to the:

  • Department of Justice, 1 in 4 females and 1 in 6 males are sexually assaulted at some point in their lives.
  • Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), 1 in 6 females and 1 in 33 males are victims of rape/attempted rape.

Sexual assault IS about POWER, CONTROL, and ANGER. It IS NOT about SEX or sexual preference. Sex is the weapon.

Reporting Trends

Sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes.

  • 60% of sexual assaults go unreported.
  • Males make up about 10% of all victims, but are the least likely to report.

According to the National College Women Sexual Victimization Survey:

  • Only 5% of rapes are reported.
  • Only 46% of college rape victims labeled their assault rape.