Myths versus Trauma Informed Facts
Myth 1: Sexual violence is usually committed by strangers.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Many people who experience sexual assault are harmed by someone they know and may have trusted. This can make the experience especially confusing and painful. No matter who the person was, the harm is real and valid.
Myth 2: People often lie or exaggerate about being sexually assaulted.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Most survivors never tell anyone, and false reports are uncommon. When someone chooses to share their story, it is an act of courage. Their disclosure deserves to be met with belief, support, and care.
Myth 3: If someone didn’t fight back, they must have wanted or allowed what happened.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Many survivors experience freeze, tonic immobility, or dissociation — automatic nervous system responses that make it difficult or impossible to move or speak. Not fighting back is a common, involuntary survival response.
Myth 4: Clothing, behavior, or mixed signals cause sexual violence.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Survivors are never responsible for someone choosing to harm them. Clothing, behavior, or past experiences do not cause assault. Responsibility always lies with the person who violated consent.
Myth 5: Sexual violence is about sexual desire.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Sexual violence is about control, entitlement, and taking away someone’s autonomy. It is not a misunderstanding or a loss of control — it is an abuse of power.
Myth 6: Men, boys, and gender-diverse people rarely experience sexual violence.
Trauma-Informed Fact: People of all genders can experience sexual assault. Some survivors face additional barriers to speaking out because of stigma or cultural expectations. Their experiences are no less real or important.
Myth 7: Sexual assault only happens in unsafe or unfamiliar places.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Sexual violence can happen anywhere — including places that should feel safe, such as homes, workplaces, schools, and within relationships. This can deeply affect a survivor’s sense of safety and trust.
Myth 8: If someone was drinking or using substances, they are responsible.
Trauma-Informed Fact: A person who is intoxicated or incapacitated cannot give consent. Perpetrators often take advantage of this vulnerability. Survivors are not to blame for being harmed.
Myth 9: Rape can’t happen within a relationship or marriage.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Consent is required every time, even in ongoing relationships. Being in a relationship does not give anyone the right to ignore boundaries or use coercion.
Myth 10: A “real” survivor would show certain emotions or physical injuries.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Every survivor responds in their own way. Some may cry, while others may appear calm, numb, or detached. All responses are valid. Healing is not linear and looks different for every person.
Myth 11: Survivors should report immediately if it really happened.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Many people need time — sometimes days, sometimes years — to process what happened before speaking about it. Delayed reporting is common and does not diminish the truth of their experience.
Myth 12: If someone didn’t say “no,” it means they agreed.
Trauma-Informed Fact: Consent must be ongoing, freely given, and enthusiastic. A lack of resistance, silence, or uncertainty does not equal consent. Everyone deserves relationships where boundaries are respected and communication is clear.
