View the Acquaintance Rape and Rape Myths Power Topic

Content Warning

SASH Club Power Topics may include sensitive content that may be difficult or triggering for some participants. You may wish to seek the support of an ally during this presentation, especially if you are a survivor of sexual violence.

What’s Ahead

• Understanding consent
• About acquaintance rape
• Rape myths and facts
• What to do if you are sexually assaulted
• What to do if you experience or witness sexual harassment

Definitions

• Sexual harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.
• Sexual assault: Unwanted sexual touching, including inside clothing.
• Sexual battery / indecent assault: Unwanted touching of intimate parts, inside or outside clothing (definitions vary by state).
• Rape: The most extreme form of sexual assault. Definitions vary by state but typically include:
  • Unwanted vaginal or anal penetration with any body part or object
  • Oral penetration by a sex organ

Understanding Consent

Consent must be given and received before any physical intimacy begins. The absence of consent determines whether contact is unwanted.

• Consent must be freely given, enthusiastic, and not coerced.
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
• Consent is never given by someone who is asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

See the SASH Club Power Topic Boundaries and Consent for more information.

About Acquaintance Rape

Acquaintance rape is any rape committed by someone who knows the victim.

• No relationship excuses rape.
• A perpetrator may be a family member, friend, classmate, teacher, coach, boss, partner, or spouse.

If there is no consent, it is rape. Period.

How Common Is Acquaintance Rape?

• Across all ages, 70% of rape survivors know their attacker.
• Over 80% of sexual assaults on college campuses are committed by someone the victim knows.
• Victims under age 18 know their offender 90% of the time.

Those under 18 are the most vulnerable to acquaintance rape.

The Impact on Survivors

Rape by an acquaintance is not less traumatizing than rape by a stranger.

• Survivors may experience PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, addiction, and self-harm.
• Betrayal of trust can cause long-lasting emotional injury.
• Some survivors may minimize their experience and delay seeking help.

It is a rape myth to believe acquaintance rape is less harmful.

Rape Myths Defined

Rape myths are false beliefs that shift blame from the perpetrator to the survivor. They contribute to victim blaming and a culture that minimizes sexual violence.

Common Rape Myths — and the Facts

Myth: “If a survivor didn’t fight back, it wasn’t rape.”

Fact: Many survivors experience a freeze response and cannot move or speak. Not fighting back does not mean consent.

Myth: “After rape, survivors are hysterical and crying.”

Fact: Trauma responses vary. There is no correct way to react.

Myth: “Revealing clothing, drinking, or behavior means they were asking for it.”

Fact: No one ever causes someone else to commit rape.

Myth: “People often lie about rape.”

Fact: False reports occur at the same low rate as other felonies (2–8%). It is far more common for survivors to remain silent.

Myth: “Rape is about lust or passion.”

Fact: Rape is about power, control, and violence — not sexual desire.

Myth: “Only women get raped.”

Fact: Males and LGBTQ+ individuals are also sexually assaulted, often at higher rates and with less support.

Myth: “If someone was aroused, they must have enjoyed it.”

Fact: Biological responses do not equal consent.

Myth: “If rape really happened, it would be reported immediately.”

Fact: 50–90% of rapes go unreported due to fear, shame, retaliation, and lack of trust.

What to Do Immediately If You Are Sexually Assaulted

• Get to a safe place and call 911 if you are in danger.
• Call someone you trust.
• Contact a sexual assault hotline such as RAINN: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Preserve evidence if possible — do not wash, change clothes, or clean the area.
• Seek medical care as soon as possible.

If You Are Sexually Harassed

It is not your fault, and help is available.

• Tell a trusted adult, counselor, or school official.
• Contact your school’s Title IX Coordinator.
• Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• Learn more at Stop Sexual Assault in Schools

Talk About It

• What rape myths do you see portrayed in media?
• Why do survivors often stay silent?
• What can communities do to hold perpetrators accountable?

Do More

• Share what you learned with your school or community.
• Commit to challenging rape myths when you hear them.
• Support survivors by listening and believing.

Sources & Acknowledgments

Sources include RAINN, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, CDC, Bureau of Justice Statistics, and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.