Sexual Assault: Myth or Fact Quiz

The Sexual Assault Myth or Fact Quiz

(adapted from R. Warshaw's I Never Called It Rape)

Let's see how much you know about acquaintance rape:

Fact or Myth ?  

1. Rape is committed by insane, violent sex maniacs.
2. Women who don't actually try to fight the man have not been raped. Rape is committed by insane, violent sex maniacs.
3. A weapon isn't necessary for rape to occur - fists, body weight, psychological pressure, the victim being drunk all count as rape.
4. When men become sexually aroused they have to have sex, or they will literally "explode"!
5. Looking attractive or sexy may have no connection to wanting to have sex.
6. If a woman goes to a man's room and "makes out' with him it's because she wants sex.
7. If a woman says "no", she means "maybe" or is just playing hard to get.
8. If someone is unconscious (e.g., from drinking) and incapable of giving consent, under certain state laws it is ILLEGAL to have sex with her/him. It is no more right to have sex with her/him than it is to rob or murder the person.
9. Women often lie about being raped, especially if they are accusing a date.
10. Only men rape women

Check Your Answers Below

1. Myth. The Fact Is: The majority of rapes are committed by “normal” friends or acquaintances. In a national study of college students, 84% of rape victims knew their assailants.
2. Myth. The Fact Is: If a man forces a woman to have sex, a rape has occurred, whether or not she fights back
3. This is a Fact.
4. Myth. The Fact Is: This notion reduces the image of men to walking genitalia! Sex may be desirable but not essential. No explosions have been recorded.
5. This is a Fact.
6. Myth. The Fact Is: Making out, petting and kissing, although often a prelude to intercourse, do not always mean that a woman wants to go “all the way.” She may not want to have intercourse. Don't assume! Ask!
7. Myth. The Fact Is: Although some women have indeed given ambiguous messages, the man should never assume that "no" means anything other than “no”. If in doubt, ask!! If you back off and she decides she wants sex, believe me, she'll let you know!
8. This is a Fact.
9. Myth. The Fact Is: Most women do not lie about being raped - our society is not always supportive of women who report rape. The reporting process requires courage and can be painful. In fact, it is far more likely that a victim will not report a rape than it is that s/he will falsely report.
10. Myth.The Fact Is: While 90% of rapes do involve men raping women, same-sex rapes also occur. In addition, women can sexually assault men. However, male victims are very reluctant to report or seek help. Therefore, research on male victims is very limited.