FALSE

Women do not ask to be physically or emotionally assaulted, humiliated or debased. This myth perpetuates the idea that women are responsible for being attacked. Sexual assailants use violence and threats and, in certain cases, medication, drugs and alcohol to get what they want. Many women remain passive during an assault in order to minimize their injuries. This attitude must not be interpreted as consent, as the victim is being threatened. It is a sexual assault.

FALSE

Several studies have shown that less than one-quarter of sexual assaults are reported to the police. The legal process is long and difficult, as women who file complaints well know. Sexual assaults are rarely reported without good cause. A complaint may not go to trial, but that doesn't mean it was unfounded. The Criminal and Penal Prosecutor analyzes the case presented by the police following the investigation. It is he or she who determines whether the case includes sufficient evidence for the accused to go to trial. Even if the investigator or the prosecutor believes the victim, some cases can stay before the courts for years. Every case in the legal system is different, depending on circumstances and evidence on file.

FALSE

One of the most tenacious myths is that women provoke sexual assault by their behaviour, their attitude or their appearance. It is important to understand, however, that hitchhiking, going out in the evening, consuming alcohol or drugs, dressing seductively, wanting to have a relationship with a man or going home with a man do not constitute provocation or an invitation to sexual assault.

Myths about children and adolescents

FALSE

Young victims do not always hate the person who has sexually assaulted or abused them. In cases of incest, for example, they may have mixed feelings, torn between betrayal and love for the abusive parent. In the same way, a teenage girl who has been assaulted by her boyfriend may also have very mixed feelings, especially if she was in love with him.

FALSE

Even in situations of sexual assault, a boy may have an erection, while a girl may find the stimulation of her genital area pleasurable. Many children and adolescents who have been sexually assaulted or abused feel guilt and shame. They believe— wrongly—that since they had a physical reaction, they must have been fully complicit in the assault. The fact they experienced pleasure does not mean they consented to the act. It was a sexual assault.

FALSE

Many boys who are sexually assaulted believe—wrongly—that there must be something about them that attracts men. They then feel obliged to adopt a homosexual orientation or effeminate behaviour.

Another popular myth claims that all lesbians were sexually assaulted by men in their childhood, or that young girls who are victims of assault may “become” lesbians. There are no statistics supporting these beliefs, however.

Regardless of the situation, the victim's sexual orientation is not determined by the fact that they were sexually assaulted.

Myths about sexual assailants

FALSE

In fact, the attacker is very often someone the victim knows who takes advantage of a relationship of trust or authority to sexually assault her. The attacker usually shares his life with a partner, and has the opportunity to actively express his sexuality on a regular basis. Sexual assailants can also be professionals: therapists, doctors, psychiatrists, athletic coaches or teachers.

In 70 to 85% of cases reported to the police, the attacker is known to the victim.

FALSE

Sexual assaults are not committed by men with mental health problems. Almost 80% of victims know the person who assaulted them: usually a member of their immediate or extended family or an acquaintance in good mental health.

FALSE

Men who sexually abuse young boys are not necessarily homosexuals, any more than men who abuse young girls are heterosexual. Although sexual aggressors generally have a preference regarding the sex and age of their victims, most men who commit sexual assault are heterosexual.

FALSE

Sexual assailants can be extremely subtle and clever in obtaining what they want from their victim. There is no specific profile of a sexual aggressor. He could be anyone: spouse, partner, friend, acquaintance, professional, colleague, classmate, neighbour, family member, client, patient or stranger. It is therefore very difficult to detect potential aggressors.