theatre which pushes boundaries : working for and with people affected by rape and sexual violence

Rape: Myths and facts

We are aware that there are many gaps in the general public's knowledge about rape: both on the laws surrounding rape and serious sexual assault, and about the act of rape itself. We aim to creatively educate and fill these gaps.

The following is an example from the excellent Rape Crisis website; please visit this link for many more examples. (Your browser will open in a new window.)

Myth

Women who are sexually assaulted 'ask for it' by the way they dress or act; rape only happens to young women.

Fact

Many women are led to believe that if they are not part of a certain category of women then they are 'safe' from being raped. Women and girls of all ages, classes, culture, ability, sexuality, race and faith are raped. Attractiveness has little significance. Reports show that there is a great diversity in the way targeted women act or dress. Rapists choose women based on their vulnerability, not ontheir physical appearance.

Sometimes women see themselves as 'unworthy' or 'undesirable' because of their age or physical appearance and therefore 'safe' from rape. Some men joke or make comments about women's appearances or age to indicate whether she is sexually desirable or available, or as part of their defence in court, saying he thought 'he was doing her a favour', using her appearance or age. Women are raped from the age of three to ninety three. Rape is an act of violence, not sex.

© Empowerment Theatre Company 2010