“We need to get away from this myth that rape is a stranger jumping out of the bushes,” says Jo. Over 80% of rapes happen at home, but victims are often too scared to tell anyone for fear they won’t be believed. Most likely they were friends, partners, colleagues, or ex-partners. In fact, 97% of calls to the Rape Crisis helpline are from victims who knew their attackers. Yes, this does happen, but it’s very rare.
Myth 1: Rape happens in dark alleyways and is done by violent strangers So we spoke to Jo Wood, a Rape Crisis worker, to help uncover the truth. We think this is because of persistent myths about rape – like the idea that a woman was ‘asking for it’ if she was drunk, or wearing a short skirt. Statistics from The British Crime Survey reveal that 89% of rapes go unreported, and 38% of victims don’t tell anyone.
T/W This article includes references to rape
