Belief in these myths can have a negative impact on the way a person is viewed by others and how they feel about themselves.


Myth Sexual abuse only happens in visibly poor and disadvantaged families and in particular cultures


FACT Perpetrators come from all backgrounds. They can come from any socio-economic, cultural and religious background.


Myth The young person must have been “asking for it”


FACT Perpetrators make a choice to act in an abusive way. The young person is in no way responsible for the abuse. The perpetrator takes advantage of the power difference between them and the young person.


Myth If the sexual abuse was physically arousing for the child or young person then that means they were consenting


FACT A physiological response does not equal consent. It can be a natural body reaction to respond to physical stimulation. This does not mean the person was consenting.


Myth People who are sexually abused as children later become perpetrators of sexual abuse


FACT The majority of people who have experienced sexual abuse do not themselves become perpetrators. Some do go on to sexually abuse children. However, many perpetrators of sexual abuse were not sexually abused as children.


Myth People who have experienced sexual abuse are damaged for life


FACT Many people do struggle with experiences of abuse; however many go on to reclaim their lives and futures from the impacts of sexual abuse. They may be in relationships, working, parenting, caring for themselves and others and contributing to society.


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