Why do sexual assaults happen?

Dear Reader, 

There’s no singular reason why sexual assault happens. Survivors of sexual assault don’t have any control over whether the crime occurs. Implying that it happened based on how someone dresses or acts is considered a form of victim blaming. In doing so, it takes responsibility and attention away from the person who’s actually responsible for the assault. 

Sexual assault can be characterized as any type of non-consensual sexual contact that was obtained by force, threat of force, intimidation, or coercion. While the exact legal definition of sexual assault may vary by state, all instances of sexual assault are considered criminal acts under federal or state law. 

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or cognitive or physical ability status. Misinformation regarding sexual assault or misrepresentation by the media, often includes: 

• Who the perpetrator can be. Sexual assault perpetrators can vary widely, and it can be helpful to note that they’re not always strangers. In fact, a significant number of sexual assault survivors report knowing the perpetrator beforehand. 
• Who may be the target of sexual assault. There’s a common misconception that those assigned female at birth are the primary target of sexual assault. However, studies show that as much as one in three people assigned male at birth report experiencing a form of sexual violence in their life, compared to one in two people assigned female at birth. Transgender individuals can experience even higher rates of sexual assault compared to their cisgender counterparts. Other vulnerable populations can include people with physical or mental disabilities, those in nursing homes, those in the military, and certain races or ethnicities, such as indigenous populations.  
• How common false reports are. False reports are relatively rare. They occur at a rate of between two and eight percent of all reports.  
• Why the sexual assault occurred. While some may believe it to be true, revealing clothing is not a cause of sexual assault, nor should it be used to blame the survivor for what happened. Wearing revealing clothing doesn't justify or invite any form of sexual contact. Additionally, the use of drugs or alcohol are also not causes of sexual assault, as perpetrators often exploit alcohol and drugs to incapacitate others and lower their inhibitions.  
• When sexual assault can occur. While a majority of sexual assault cases occur under the age of 30, sexual assault can happen at any stage of life.  
• What recovery looks like after. Recovering from sexual assault can be challenging not just physically, but mentally too. Survivors often struggle with mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. All of which can lead to further negative health behaviors, such as alcohol or drug abuse. Individuals also report facing challenges completing everyday tasks, maintaining interpersonal relationships, and fulfilling work responsibilities. 

These common misconceptions can spread misinformation about sexual assault and encourage a negative culture of victim blaming. It can also contribute to a culture of rape acceptance and normalization of rape which can make it difficult for survivors to feel comfortable reporting the incident out of fear that no one will believe them. 

A clear marker of sexual assault is that the perpetrator did not obtain consent from any or all participants. Consent in this context is a mutual agreement that’s freely given and clearly communicated between participants before and while engaging in sexual activity. Consent can’t be given if someone is a minor, intoxicated or incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, sleeping, or unconscious. They also can’t consent if they were pressured, intimidated, or threatened into providing consent. Even if consent is freely and clearly provided, it can also be freely and clearly withdrawn. Just because consent is given for a certain activity does not mean that consent has been given for other activities or the same activity at a different time. 

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, resources for support can include: 

• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) 
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) 
• 1in6, a resource for male survivors of sexual assault 
• DoD, the Department of Defense safe anonymous helpline for survivors of sexual assault 
• Crisis Text Line, a resource that provides free around-the-clock mental health support for survivors  

All this to say, without consent, there is no invitation for any form of sexual contact. Sexual assault is never the survivors' fault, regardless of how they dress or behave.