MySLC

There are many misconceptions about to whom, what, and how how sexual violence occurs. However, many of our preconceived notions are untrue. Disspelling such judgements and beliefs are important for understanding the gravity of what sexual violence is and how it impacts our community. Listed here are some facts about sexual violence that are commonly misconstrued by the media, society, etc. Click the drop down for more information regarding each fact.

Sexual violence can happen to anyone and be perpetrated by anyone, regardless of gender or sexuality. A common misconception is that women are the only survivors of sexual violence. While over 50% of women have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetime, the statistics show that they are not alone. 

Men, and specifically men attending college, can also be victims of sexual violence. According to the CDC, almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetime. 

Statistics have shown that transgender students and members of the LGBTQ+ community experience sexual violence at a higher frequency when compared to their peers. For more statistics about how the LGBTQ+ community is impacted by sexual violence, visit: https://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-assault-and-the-lgbt-community

If a survivor did not consent, the act was assault. Consent cannot be obtained if intimidation, coercion, force, threats, fraud, or fear are present.  Additionally, consent should be enthusiastic. You are looking for the presence of a “yes,” rather than the absence of a “no.” 

Sarah Lawrence College adheres to an affirmative consent standard. Affirmative consent is a knowing, active, voluntary, present, and ongoing mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. It is the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to ensure that affirmative consent to that activity, and all sexual acts, has been given.

The fact that a person has consented to something once before does not mean they always give consent. Additionally, consent is required for all types of sexual activity. Consent to one type does not imply consent to other sexual acts. 

It is possible for a spouse or significant other to perpetrate assault. Acquiring consent must be ongoing in relationships, and is not something that can be assumed or required by a partner. In healthy relationships, you should feel free to discuss boundaries and what kinds of activities you feel comfortable with consenting to. But again, consent for something in one instance does not mean consent for something in the future.

Sexual violence is an act of  degradation, an unwanted violation of one's body. The idea that survivors were "asking for" such violence is a tactic of rape culture, intended to blame survivors for violence directed at them. Consent cannot be inferred by an individual’s manner of dress, the giving or acceptance of gifts, the acceptance of an invitation to go to a private room or location, or going on a date. Individuals incapacitated by drugs and/or alcohol are not properly able to give consent. Similarly, there is no situation in which a sexual act is “owed” or required. 

Rape is not sex. Rape is an act of violence, domination, and control. Rape is not a way to show affection, attraction, love, or desire. Perpetrators of rape are able to control themselves and stop at any time.

In most cases, victims of sexual violence know the perpetrator. RAINN reports that 8 out of 10 sexual assaults will be committed by someone known to the victim. This can include violence between intimate partners, friends, acquaintances, family members, etc. When sexual violence occurs between individuals who know each other, they may believe that they were encouraging it in some way. It is important to remember that this is not the case. Violence is always the fault of the perpetrator.  

Moreover, the U.S. Department of Justice reports that 80 percent of all rapes and cases of sexual assault do not involve a weapon. Pressure and force can come from emotional manipulation, threats, fear tactics, and other sources besides weapons.

Perpetrators of sexual violence use harassment, assault, rape, and other acts to gain control over their victims. 

For example, men who rape and assault other men may identify as straight. Rape in such instances is not about sexual attraction; it is about power.

Nor does it represent a positive emotional response. Signs of sexual arousal, climax, and orgasm are involuntary biological responses. They are a result of physical touch and extreme stress. 

Perpetrators of sexual violence can use these responses in order to confuse or manipulate their victims. It is important to remember that these biological responses do not serve as consent or proof of enjoyment.

Apart from sexual arousal, another common biological response for the body during times of stress or trauma is to freeze. Freezing or the lack of fighting back against a perpetrator does not indicate consent. The only acceptable form of consent is what is detailed in the definition of affirmative consent.