Myth

Reality

Rape is an act of power, control, domination, anger and hostility. Sex is used to express these feelings. Rapists do not consider the victim’s needs or feelings. They think only about themselves.

Rapists are insane, perverse, sexually deprived or "over-sexed."

Rapists tend to look and act "normal." However, they may have a greater than average tendency to violent behavior.

Rape is an impulsive, uncontrollable act of sexual gratification. Most rapes are spontaneous.

Many rapists are already in consenting sexual relationships when they perpetrate an assault. Rapes are often planned in advance.

Most rapists are strangers to the victim.

The majority of rapes—80%—are committed by persons known and trusted by the victim.

Most rapes are interracial.

Nationally, 90% of rapes involve a rapist and victim of the same race. Although in Anchorage, there is a high incident of white men assaulting Native women.

Myth

Reality

Rapes usually happen in secluded places like dark alleys and empty parking lots.

Rapes can and do occur anywhere and at anytime. The most common places for a rape to occur is in the victim’s home, the perpetrator’s home or in a vehicle.

Only young attractive women are raped.

Studies show that only 2% of sexual assault reports are false, no more than the incidence of false reports for other felonies. More commonly, a victim will not report a sexual assault because of feeling of shame, fear and humiliation.

Rape victims "ask for it."

Victims are not responsible for the actions of the rapist. Nothing a person says or does justifies rape.

Rape does not have much effect on a person.