Rape myth

Rape myths are erroneous, stereotypical, prejudicial beliefs about reasons of sexual assaults, rapists, and rape victims.

Rape myths originate from various cultural stereotypes, such as traditional gender roles, acceptance of interpersonal violence, and misunderstanding the nature of sexual assault. A 2013 online survey of freshmen suggests that women's consumption of mainstream sports programming increases the chance that they buy into rape myths, while for both men and women the intentions to intervene into a sexual assault decrease.

The prevalence of rape myths is a major reason for rape victim blaming and stigmatization.

Rape myths suggest that the stereotypical victim of sexual violence is a bruised and battered young woman. However the central issue in cases of sexual assault is whether both parties consented to the sexual activity or both had the capacity to do so. Thus, physical force resulting in visible physical injury is not always seen. Due to this stereotype sexually assaulted people who have no physical trauma may be less inclined to report to the authorities or to seek health care.

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