05/27/2026
There are still so many myths and misunderstandings around s*xual violence: when it happens, why it happens and who it happens to.
May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month. Take some time to read about common myths around s*xual violence:
❌️ "Most s*xual violence is committed by strangers."
✔️ Most people who experience s*xual violence know the person responsible. This can include friends, partners, acquaintances, coworkers or family members. This reality can make it more difficult to recognize, disclose, or report the harm, especially when trust, dependence or power dynamics are involved.
❌️ "People who report s*xual violence are often lying or exaggerating."
✔️ Research finds that s*xual violence is not falsely reported any more than other crimes. Sexual violence is also significantly under-reported. Many people choose not to report s*xual violence due to fear of retaliation, stigma, not being believed or the potential trauma of a legal process, meaning reported cases represent only a fraction of actual incidents.
❌️ "Sexual violence only happens in specific places or situations."
✔️ Research finds that s*xual violence is not falsely reported any more than other crimes. Sexual violence is also significantly under-reported. Many people choose not to report s*xual violence due to fear of retaliation, stigma, not being believed or the potential trauma of a legal process, meaning reported cases represent only a fraction of actual incidents.
❌️ "It's not s*xual violence if no one said 'no' or fought back."
✔️ Consent must be clearly communicated, ongoing, and freely given. It cannot be assumed or implied. People may freeze, comply or not respond due to fear, shock, coercion or power imbalance. These are common and valid trauma responses and do not equal consent.
For more information and resources about s*xual violence, visit www.centrefors*xuality.ca/learning-centre-category/s*xual-violence.
