Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Written by Lara Kinkartz on 12/05/10
Photo by Steve Wampler on Flickr
It’s one of the most devastating crimes a person can experience, but it’s one of the most under-reported crimes in Canada. May is sexual assault awareness month, and it’s a great time to raise awareness about the nature of this horrific crime.
How much do you know about sexual assault? The statistics might surprise you! Here are some facts about sexual assault in Canada:
- While victims and offenders in sexual assault crimes can be either men or women, more than 80% of the victims are women, and 97% of the offenders are men (Statistics Canada).
- Women who are between the ages of 16 and 24 are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than women who fall outside this age range (Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre).
- 82% of women who have been raped know their attacker (Statistics Canada).
- Only 8% of sexual assaults are ever reported to the police, and this number has decreased in recent years (Statistics Canada).
Why are sexual assaults so rarely reported? One reason may be the pervasive myth that victims lie about sexual assault – a claim that is completely unfounded. Research shows that the number of false reports of sexual assault is the same as for any other crime (SASC, University of British Columbia). Even though it’s not true, many people believe that victims lie about being raped, which makes some afraid to come forward because they don’t think they’ll be believed.
Secondly, when we talk about sexual assault, blame tends to be put on the victims. “She was wearing provocative clothing,” “she was walking alone at night,” and “she was drinking alcohol” are common phrases used by the media in their coverage of sexual assault cases. When questioned by the police and by lawyers in court, victims’ lifestyles and sexual histories are often used to try and discredit them or to make it seem like they had consented to sex. Why is it that we think victims are somehow to blame for this crime? With other crimes such as burglaries, we don’t say of the victims, “well, they were asking for it – what did they think would happen when they bought such an expensive TV?”
It’s time we dispel the myths surrounding sexual assault, and start holding offenders responsible for their actions by focusing on the crime that was committed. This month, spread the word about the REAL facts on sexual assault. By shedding light on the myths about sexual assault, we can help victims feel more comfortable reporting these crimes.
For more information about sexual assault, check out the following links:
DEAL.org Knowzone fact sheet – Sexual Abuse and Harassment
DEAL.org Blog – Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault
DEAL.org Blog – After Sexual Assault: Medical Resources for Survivors
DEAL.org Blog – After Sexual Assault: Police and the Court