CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Getting The Basics
2. Substance Abuse
3. Violence Against Women
4. Violent Men
5. Alcohol and Violence
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Assault (Date Rape)
7. Preventing Sexual Assault
8. After a Rape or Sexual Assault
9. Assistance - Women
10. Assistance - Men
11. Legal Options

Supplements
Resources
Glossary
Fact Sheets

It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

Myths of Sexual Assault

Anyone living in the United States has been exposed to stories about sexual assault and rape that just aren't true. These untrue beliefs can come from family, television, movies, or other stereotypes that we learn. These beliefs blame the victim and reduce the seriousness of the assault. Exposing these myths and replacing them with facts are the first steps toward changing people's views and reducing sexual violence.

Movies and TV almost never show people talking about what sexual acts they do or do not want to perform. Instead, the woman limply falls into her partner's arms. Then they are shown in bed, obviously having had sex. This creates the idea that the partner "knows" what the other person wants. In fact, many people who assault others sexually ignore clear signals from the woman that she does not want to have sex. They're only interested in their own feelings and impulses.