This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Why the impact of rape myths continues to traumatise sexual violence survivors across Darlington and County Durham
Isabel Owens, RSACC CEO
In early Autumn, 2023 we undertook a small survey amongst our staff, volunteers and clients to gain additional insight into the impact of rape myths, particularly when a survivor discloses for the first time. These findings led to the production of our Rape Myths Impact Report, which details the responses given to survivors.
Findings show:
- over 50% were worried they wouldn’t be believed by the person they first told about their experience of sexual violence and
- over 25% told us they worried people would think it was their fault.
Despite over 30 years providing specialist support to survivors, it is disappointing to read in the report that despite the many campaigns and initiatives, sexual violence survivors are still being retraumatised by the responses they receive. We know that society often seeks to place the blame for rape and sexual abuse on the survivor. But the truth is that it’s often professionals, friends and family members who don’t know how best to respond and may often repeat rape myths, rather than believing the survivor.
Today (November 25th) is the start of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, and every year this marks a call to action to end sexual violence, shatter rape myths and provide better support to survivors. We believe all survivors deserve to be treated with understanding and given the most timely and appropriate support. They don’t need our judgement and blame. Women and girls have every right to feel safe wherever they are. Sexual violence is not caused by what you wear, how much you’ve had to drink, if you’ve been flirty or if you’re out late at night. Responsibility for sexual violence belongs only with the rapist.
We can all help end these rape myths by challenging them. Although we hope that sexual violence is eliminated, while it still stains society we want to hear less of:
“ My dad’s responses were never helpful. His first reaction was “that’s why I always told you to watch out for vulnerable situations”. It felt like he was blaming me for what happened. And did not understand that you don’t always know you’re vulnerable or know that a situation is bad until you’re already in it. I thought my perpetrators were safe people at the time.” (local survivor)
And more of:
“At nearly 40 years old I can remember exactly what my Mum’s response was. She was calm and listened and gave me a hug. She never blamed or questioned me and supported me to provide a statement to the police. Looking back now as an adult who has experienced child sexual abuse her response was validating, non-judgmental and came from a place of belief and support.” (local survivor)
We hope that you read our report and support our campaign. As members of society there is much we can do to help. This can start by being better informed on sexual violence and the impact it has on survivors. As employers we can look to see how we can better support sexual violence survivors in the workplace and create cultures where inappropriate behaviours aren’t able to foster. As family members or friends of survivors we can give them the support, space or time they need to heal.