Training & Presentations

Myth: Title IX applies only to discrimination against women.

Fact: Title IX requires that males and females receive fair and equal treatment in all areas of education. Any discrimination based on sex at FGCU is prohibited by Title IX.

Myth: Advocates for victims of Title IX who file complaints of discrimination for others are not protected from retaliation under Title IX.

Fact: The U.S. Supreme Court has broadened the interpretation of Title IX to protect from retaliation whistle-blowers who accuse educational institutions of sex discrimination. The court is of the opinion that reporting incidents of discrimination is integral to Title IX enforcement and such reporting would be “chilled” if retaliation against those who report such conduct goes unpunished.

Myth: If your relationship really was abusive, you would leave.

Fact: Victims may stay in a relationship for a variety of reasons, including fear, shame, love, concern for children or pets, or self-esteem.

Myth: Men are always up for sex so you don’t need to worry about consent.

Fact: Men need to give consent, and do not have to consent to sexual acts if they do not want to.

Myth: It’s only rape if the victim puts up a fight and resists.

Fact: Many states do not require the victim to resist in order to charge the offender with rape or sexual assault. Those who do not resist may feel if they do so, they will anger their attacker, resulting in more severe injury. Many assault experts say that victims should trust their instincts and intuition and do what they believe will most likely keep them alive. Not fighting or resisting an attack does not equal consent.

Myth: If a person does not report, or delays reporting a sexual assault to the police it must not have "really" happened.

Fact: There are many reasons why a sexual assault victim may not report the assault to the police or campus officials. This could include fear of retaliation, reliving the trauma, being blamed, not being believed, or not knowing what will happen next. Just because a person does not report the sexual assault does not mean it did not happen.

Myth: If you’re dating or married, it can’t be rape.

Fact: Each sexual act requires consent. Just because you’ve had sex in the past does not mean that future sexual acts are ok.

Myth: Most sexual assaults are committed by strangers. It’s not rape if the people involved know each other.

Fact: Most sexual assaults and rape are committed by someone the victim knows. A study of sexual victimization of college women showed that about 90% of victims knew the person who sexually victimized them. Sexual assault can happen to all genders, sexual orientations, races, and other characteristics of people.

Myth: Intimate partner violence is rare.

Fact: According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 25-50% of people in relationships experiences at least one form of relationship violence.

Myth: Victims lie about rape because they feel guilty after having sex.

Fact: Rarely do survivors lie about sexual assault. The New York State Supreme Court found that only 2% of rape charges are false. This is the same rate as other major crimes.

Myth: Only young, pretty women are assaulted.

Fact: Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. Offenders often choose people whom they perceive as most vulnerable to attack or over whom they believe they can assert power. Men and boys are also sexually assaulted, as well as persons with disabilities. Assumptions about the “typical” victim might lead others not to report the assault because they do not fit the stereotypical victim.

Myth: If a person goes to someone’s room or house or goes to a bar, they assumes the risk of sexual assault. If something happens later, they can’t claim that they were raped or sexually assaulted because they should have known not to go to those places

Fact: This “assumption of risk” wrongfully places the responsibility of the offender’s action with the victim. Even if a person went voluntarily to someone’s home or room and consented to engage in some sexual activity, it does not serve as blanket consent for all sexual activity. 

Myth: A person who has really been sexually assaulted will be hysterical.

Fact: Victims of sexual violence exhibit a spectrum of responses to the assault which can include: calm, hysteria, withdrawal, anxiety, anger, apathy, denial and shock. Being sexually assaulted is a very traumatic experience. Reaction to the assault and the length of time needed to process through the experience vary with each person. 

Myth: Victims provoke sexual assaults when they dress provocatively or act in a promiscuous manner.

Fact: Rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person’s determination to exercise power over another.  Forcing someone to engage in non- consensual sexual activity is sexual assault, regardless of the way that person dresses or acts.

Myth: Men can’t be sexually assaulted.

Fact: Sexual assault can happen to anyone. Between one in six to ten males are sexually assaulted.

Myth: It is not sexual assault if it happens after drinking or taking drugs.

Fact: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not an invitation for sexual activity. A person who is incapacitated due to the influence of alcohol or drugs is not able to consent to sexual activity.

Myth: Someone can only be sexually assaulted if a weapon was involved.

Fact: In many cases of sexual assault, a weapon is not involved. The offender often uses physical strength, physical violence, intimidation, threats or a combination of these tactics to overpower the victim.