Myths
Myths surrounding domestic and sexual violence are detrimental because they often make it harder to leave the unhealthy relationship. It is important to dispel these myths so that survivors effectively utilize available resources. Here are a few of these myths:
Myth: Abusers become violent because the partner won’t stop talking, yelling or nagging them.
Fact: Abusers do so because they feel the need to dominate the relationship. Partners may be demanding or even passive and abuse can still occur. Often, abusers blame partners for the violence.
Myth: Drinking or using drugs makes someone become an abuser.
Fact: Even if abusers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they become violent, those are not thought to be the cause. Research shows that abusers who are recovering alcoholics and addicts are often still abusive after becoming sober.
Myth: I f you leave, the abuse will end.
Fact: There can be many contributing factors that a partner must consider when trying to leave an abusive relationship. Many times religion, financial dependency and, low self-esteem from continuous emotional, mental and psychological abuse can prevent someone from leaving. Also, leaving a relationship is the most dangerous time for girls. They often are stalked and threatened with continued violence or homicide when they do so, at almost 75% when leaving over staying.
Myth: Women often lie about or falsely accuse someone of rape.
Fact: Studies have found that false reports make up only 2 % percent or less of the reported cases of sexual assault. Rapes by someone the victim knows are the least likely to be reported.
Myth: Women provoke sexual assault by their appearance. Sexual attractiveness is a primary reason why a rapist selects a victim.
Fact: Rapists do not select their victims by their appearance. Victims of sexual assault range in age groups from infants to the elderly. Sexual attractiveness is not an issue. Victims are vulnerable and accessible. But they are still not to blame for the assault. It is 100% of the abuser’s fault.
Myth: Abusers become violent because the partner won’t stop talking, yelling or nagging them.
Fact: Abusers do so because they feel the need to dominate the relationship. Partners may be demanding or even passive and abuse can still occur. Often, abusers blame partners for the violence.
Myth: Drinking or using drugs makes someone become an abuser.
Fact: Even if abusers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they become violent, those are not thought to be the cause. Research shows that abusers who are recovering alcoholics and addicts are often still abusive after becoming sober.
Myth: I f you leave, the abuse will end.
Fact: There can be many contributing factors that a partner must consider when trying to leave an abusive relationship. Many times religion, financial dependency and, low self-esteem from continuous emotional, mental and psychological abuse can prevent someone from leaving. Also, leaving a relationship is the most dangerous time for girls. They often are stalked and threatened with continued violence or homicide when they do so, at almost 75% when leaving over staying.
Myth: Women often lie about or falsely accuse someone of rape.
Fact: Studies have found that false reports make up only 2 % percent or less of the reported cases of sexual assault. Rapes by someone the victim knows are the least likely to be reported.
Myth: Women provoke sexual assault by their appearance. Sexual attractiveness is a primary reason why a rapist selects a victim.
Fact: Rapists do not select their victims by their appearance. Victims of sexual assault range in age groups from infants to the elderly. Sexual attractiveness is not an issue. Victims are vulnerable and accessible. But they are still not to blame for the assault. It is 100% of the abuser’s fault.