Survivors of Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault and Trauma Response

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behavior that makes a person feel uncomfortable, threatened, or scared. ‘Sexual assault’ covers a wide range of unwanted sexual behaviors that are often used by offenders as a way to assert power and control over other people.

Common Myths about LGBTQ sexual assault

Myth:

Only women can be sexually assaulted.

Fact:

Both men and women can be sexually assaulted. The offender can also be any gender, and of any sexual orientation.

Myth:

A woman can’t rape another woman.

Fact:

The idea that women are never violent is a gender role stereotype. A survivor who believes this myth may minimize the assault they experienced.

Myth:

Gay men are sexually promiscuous and are always ready for sex.

Fact:

This is a homophobic stereotype. Gay men, as everyone else, have the right to say no to sex at any time and have that respected. This stereotype may make it difficult for gay men survivors of sexual assault to be believed and supported.

Myth:

Kinky rough sex is the same as sexual assault.

Fact:

Rough sex and a sexual assault are two very different things. Sexual assault is never consensual.

Myth:

Women often falsely accuse men of sexual assault to get attention.

Fact:

Most sexual assault reports are truthful. Many survivors of sexual assault – both females and males – don’t report it for fear of not being believed.

Myth:

Most rapists are strangers.

Fact:

Most offenders are known to the assault survivor.

Myth:

It’s not sexual assault if you’re a couple or married.

Fact:

Unwanted sexual activity in any relationship is assault.

Myth:

If you’re drunk or wearing sexy clothing, you’re partly responsible.

Fact:

Sexual assault survivors are never, under any circumstances, responsible for somebody choosing to assault them.

STOP Violence Program (SVP)
[email protected]
Warmline: 323-860-5806

If this is an emergency, call 911!

Legal Advocacy Project for Survivors (LAPS)
[email protected]
323-993-7649