Sexual Assault Misconceptions

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Sexual assault is a dominant problem in the United States with approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men being assaulted in their lifetime (Lev, 2017). The term sexual assault is broad and included a variety of crimes however; most involve unwanted sexual activity between the offender and victim while all include the need for power and control over the victim. This may include forced sexual acts, manipulation, verbal threats, and unwanted touching. Being assaulted by another person can cause serious emotional, mental, and physical harm. Some common symptoms include, unwanted memories, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, isolation, self-blame, humiliation etc. (Lev, 2017). There are often many misconceptions related to sexual assault including the theory that women “ask for it” and that straight females are the only people who fall victim to these types of crimes. These are both ridiculous and completely false. One example of this faulty way of thinking is Phyllis Sclafy theory that sexual assault rates have risen due to the fact that too many women are attending college therefore; colleges should reduce the amount of woman admissions. Another argument …show more content…

Men are typically viewed as perpetrators instead of victims, leading some to minimize sexual assault related to males and for societal stereotypes to develop. Furthermore Lev and Lev explain that is some jurisdictions male rape is not recognized and/or the definition of rape is solely based on the terms related to a female body. This is baffling considering 3-10% of rapes have a male victim. In addition, there is a common viewpoint that it is normal for men to get raped in prison with no though surrounding the extreme physical, mental, and emotional affects this act of violence can have on any victim. The joke “don’t drop the soap” is commonly used followed by ignorant

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