April Is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

MYTH #1: Rape is almost always committed by strangers.

FACT: Eight of 10 incidents of sexual violence are not committed by strangers but by someone who knows the victim, such as a classmate, coworker, roommate, family member, or sexual/intimate partner.

MYTH #2: Survivors are sometimes to blame for being assaulted.

FACT: The truth is that survivors are never to blame for their assault. Dressing a certain way, walking home alone at night, and drinking too much alcohol do not put a survivor at fault in any capacity.

MYTH #3: Men cannot be victims of sexual assault.

FACT: This myth is very harmful, as sexual assault does not have anything to do with gender. Per RAINN, 1 out of every 33 American men have experienced sexual violence, and 1 out of every 10 survivors in the U.S. are men.

MYTH #4: These days, too many people lie and “cry rape.”

FACT: The vast majority of sexual assault allegations are true. Studies and crime data reveal that only about 2% to 10% of such allegations are false. In fact, many survivors choose not to speak out due to the fear that they will be called liars if they do.

MYTH #5: In some cases, “no” can mean “yes.”

FACT: When it comes to consent, no never means yes; only yes means yes.

It is important to keep these facts in mind when discussing the topic of sexual assault, particularly when a survivor comes forward. Sadly, many survivors may feel alone because their loved ones have parroted these myths to them.

We Stand with Survivors

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, Beston International Law Firm understands how hard it can be to come forward about what happened. You do not have to speak out alone, however. Our compassionate Los Angeles attorneys want to help you fight for your rights, as we have done for countless survivors over the years. We have recovered billions in compensation for our diverse clientele in cases concerning sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and child molestation, among others. At Beston International Law Firm, we stand with survivors.

Call our Los Angeles firm at (929) 841-6928 for a free, confidential consultation with a caring legal professional. We can also be contacted online.