Myths & realities

Important definitions

• Sexual violence is a big term that includes any sexually abusive behaviour, sexual assault and sexual harassment.
• Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual touching (e.g. forced kissing and touching, someone tricking you into touching them, rape).
• Sexual abuse is forcing, tricking or confusing someone into sexual behaviour.
• Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct or comments of a sexual nature. It can include harassing behaviour, comments and messages.
• Consent is saying yes to something without pressure and knowing what you’re saying “yes” to. Only yes means yes.

Myth: “Sexual violence doesn’t happen very much. You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”
Reality: Sexual violence is common. For example, 1 in 2 Canadian women have experienced sexual or physical abuse and 90% of women working outside of their homes will experience sexual harassment at some point in their working lives.

Myth: “Women and girls don’t get sexually assaulted more than men. It’s 50-50.”
Reality: Anyone can experience sexual assault, but statistics show that women and girls are most at risk. People who are marginalized are at greater risk of sexual violence and have less access to support (e.g. young people, people who live on the street, trans people).

Myth: “Sexual assault, abuse and harassment happen because abusers are immature, insecure, sex maniacs or crazy.”
Reality: People abuse, assault and harass to control and show their power over someone else.

Myth: “Young women are at a higher risk of being abused because they’re considered more attractive.”
Reality: Sexual assault is about power. Those with less power and respect in our society, like young women, are at higher risk.

Myth: “If you didn’t get raped, you didn’t get sexually assaulted.”
Reality: Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact. It includes forced kissing, touching, pushing or tricking someone into sexual activity and exploiting someone sexually.

Myth: “Okay, go ahead and wear whatever you want but you better be prepared for the consequences.”
Reality: A victim shouldn’t be blamed for sexual assault or harassment they face. It’s the abuser’s fault for choosing to be abusive and hurting someone else.

Last updated: October 4, 2011