Sexual violence is far more complex and widespread than common stereotypes suggest. At Our Voice, we believe that confronting myths with data is essential to fostering a more informed, compassionate conversation—and ultimately, a safer world.
Myth 1: “Sexual violence only affects women.”
While women are disproportionately impacted, men also face significant risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 26 men have experienced completed or attempted rape, and about 1 in 9 men have been made to penetrate someone else during their lifetime. Over half of all men report some form of sexual violence involving physical contact. These figures challenge the false perception that men are immune and highlight the importance of recognizing all survivors.
Myth 2: “Sexual violence is always a violent crime by strangers.”
The data tells a very different story. The CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) reports that approximately 41% of women and 26% of men in the U.S. have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lives. Moreover, in about 8 out of 10 rape cases, the survivor knew the perpetrator, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC). This dispels the “stranger danger” stereotype and emphasizes the need to address violence within familiar relationships.
Myth 3: “Only adults are affected.”
Child sexual abuse is both common and devastating. The CDC estimates that at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse before turning 18. Globally, the CDC’s Violence Against Children Surveys reveal that more than 1 in 4 girls in some countries report experiencing sexual violence as children. These early traumas can lead to profound long-term consequences, including mental health disorders, chronic health conditions, and increased vulnerability to future victimization.
Myth 4: “Sexual violence is solely a criminal justice issue.”
Sexual violence is also a profound public health crisis. The CDC’s NISVS data shows that 2 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men experience intimate partner violence that includes contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking. Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is staggering: a CDC report found the lifetime cost of rape per survivor exceeds $122,000 when considering medical costs, lost productivity, criminal justice involvement, and other expenses. This violence cannot be addressed solely in courtrooms—it demands investment in prevention, mental health care, education, and survivor support.
Myth 5: “False reports of sexual violence are common.”
One of the most damaging myths is that survivors frequently lie. In reality, false reporting rates for sexual violence range from only 2% to 10%—consistent with false report rates for other crimes. Yet the fear of not being believed remains a powerful barrier to reporting. According to the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, nearly 63% of sexual assaults are never reported to law enforcement. This myth doesn’t just misrepresent reality—it silences survivors and protects perpetrators.
What We Must Do
Shattering these myths requires more than better data—it demands cultural and systemic change. We must:
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Acknowledge that sexual violence affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.
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Recognize that most perpetrators are known to the survivor and that violence often happens in private, trusted relationships.
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Treat sexual violence as a public health crisis that calls for prevention, trauma-informed care, and community investment—not just punishment.
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Reject stigmatizing narratives that question the truth of survivor stories and keep victims in the shadows.
At Our Voice, we know that breaking stereotypes isn’t simply about correcting misconceptions—it’s about creating space for healing, justice, and change. When we root our advocacy in truth and empathy, we foster a world where survivors are supported, and cycles of violence are interrupted.