Every April, communities across the country observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month—a time dedicated to raising public understanding of sexual violence, supporting survivors and promoting prevention efforts.
An important component of this work—at Case Western Reserve University and beyond—is dispelling the myths that surround sexual violence, and the misconceptions that often place blame on survivors or minimize the seriousness of these experiences. These myths not only contribute to stigma and shame, but can also discourage survivors from seeking the support and justice they deserve. By addressing these harmful narratives and replacing them with facts, we can build a more informed, empathetic and proactive university community.
To learn more about some of the most common myths about sexual violence—and the realities that challenge them—The Daily sat down with Emma Getz, CWRU’s student advocate for gender-based violence, who provides confidential support to undergraduate, graduate and professional students experiencing gender-based violence, domestic violence, interpersonal violence and stalking.
Read on to learn more about the realities of sexual violence and to explore support resources available to the campus community.
Myth 1:
What someone was wearing or how they were acting can provoke assault.
Reality:
Unfortunately, the reality is that sexual assault happens regardless of what type or style of clothing someone is wearing. This myth is linked to the “what were you wearing?” question survivors are commonly asked—a question that can imply that clothing choice is a way for someone to consent. There is also a bias toward what society views as “feminine clothes”—such as mini skirts or dresses—being incorrectly linked to a person’s desire to engage in sexual activity. This could not be further from the truth, and victim-blaming myths like this contribute to a culture of shame and silence making it harder for survivors to come forward and seek support.
There is a really powerful survivor art installation that illustrates this reality called “What Were You Wearing?” It displays the clothing items survivors were wearing, and shows that people have experienced sexual violence in all types of clothing, from swimsuits and dresses to sweatpants and work uniforms.
Myth 2:
False accusations of sexual assault are common.
Reality:
The reality is that false reports are not common. The idea of a “false report” is also very complex. The organization End Violence Against Women International explains that “The determination that a sexual assault report is false can only be made if the evidence establishes that no crime was completed or attempted. This evidence will only be available after a thorough investigation, not after only a preliminary investigation or initial interview with the victim.”
Keeping this definition in mind, research shows that only 2-8% of sexual assault reports are false. Focusing on the small number of false reports can distract from the reality that most sexual assault cases involve real victims seeking justice and healing. My experience as an advocate has also shown me that taking the step to report an assault is not easy, and not something many would do to falsely report. Survivors deserve support and belief.
Myth 3:
If someone was drinking or using drugs, they are partly to blame.
Reality:
If someone chooses to drink or use drugs, that does not mean they are to blame in any way for their assault. While drinking and drug use are an important factor in assuring affirmative consent is being received from all parties participating, this does not mean that a person who chose to engage in alcohol or drug use is at fault if the other party did not receive clear affirmative consent.
Early in my career as an advocate, someone said to me: “The consequence someone should expect from drinking is a hangover. That’s all.” I still use it in my work today. Choosing to harm someone or to engage sexually when clear and coherent consent is not given is only the fault of the perpetrator.
Myth 4:
There’s no point in reporting because nothing will happen.
Reality:
It is true that the justice system is complex and it can be difficult to navigate, but this doesn’t mean nothing will happen. Justice and positive outcomes for survivors do happen! How law enforcement and the justice system investigate sexual violence cases have changed a lot in the last decade, and while it can still be imperfect, these changes are positive. Law enforcement receive more training on how to work with survivors of sexual violence in a trauma-informed way that helps them in gathering the necessary information or evidence to pursue an investigation. Law enforcement also continues to work collaboratively with advocates to ensure survivors feel safe and informed throughout the process. Justice also looks different for every survivor—coming forward and sharing your story alone can hold a lot of power.
It’s also important to remember that survivors have choices, and reporting to law enforcement is just one option. For survivors in our campus community, there are many confidential and non-confidential resources at CWRU and in the Cleveland community who can help provide crisis intervention, trained advisors, support resources and more.
Myth 5:
Only women are victims of sexual assault.
Reality:
People of all genders can be—and are—victims of sexual assault. While women are disproportionately affected, men, transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming individuals also experience sexual violence, and all survivors deserve to be heard and believed. Historically, discussions around sexual violence have often been focused on white women, but those who work with survivors are committed to ending that bias, and making sure everyone has access to the support and resources they need. Sexual assault is about power and control, not attraction or gender, and it can impact anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression.
After reading Getz’s insights above, review some of the sexual assault resources, processes and educational opportunities available to students, faculty, staff and postdocs.
Flora Stone Mather Center for Women
The Mather Center provides both violence prevention and response resources for the entire CWRU community, with a focus on fostering a culture of respect, consent and accountability through collaborative efforts.
Confidential advocates
A confidential advocate with the Mather Center offers short-term crisis intervention, support and resources to undergraduate, graduate and professional students who have encountered domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or sexual/gender-based harassment. If you’re looking to speak with someone who won’t share your information, the advocate is a confidential resource and all services and sessions are free.
A part-time advocate also is available at the Mather Center to provide the same services to faculty and staff at the university.
Both advocates can be reached by phone at 216.368.2536 or by email at cwruadvocate@case.edu. In-person, Zoom and telephone appointments are available.
Violence prevention workshops
In addition to the confidential advocates, It’s On CWRU—the university’s violence prevention initiative—offers a range of workshops tailored to students, staff, faculty and the broader CWRU community. From bystander intervention, to understanding consent and fostering healthy relationships, these workshops cover essential aspects of preventing sexual violence and promoting a culture of respect and safety.
Learn more about It’s On CWRU and its prevention resources on the Mather Center website.
Office of Equity
The Office of Equity supports anyone on campus who may have been impacted by sexual violence, providing resources, referrals and more. From conducting investigations to providing guidance, the office’s services are tailored to each individual and their specific situation.
Some unique resources available to those who choose to engage with the Office of Equity are outlined below.
Survivors from the university community have the option to report to the Office of Equity, which enables the university to provide information and resources, connect a survivor to campus resources, and extend offers of support. If the person engaging in the sexual misconduct is a member of the CWRU community, reporting to the Office of Equity creates an opportunity for accountability through the process in the policy against sex discrimination and procedures for support
Trained advisors
Each individual interacting with the Office of Equity is entitled to an advisor who can provide advice, support and guidance during an investigation or hearing. Everyone has the freedom to choose their advisor regardless of their affiliation with the university, but the Office of Equity offers training to volunteer advisors who are ready to assist those seeking support.
To get an advisor who is trained by the Office for Equity, reach out to the office or consult the list on their website and contact a trained advisor directly.
Supportive measures
Support from the Office of Equity takes many forms and depends on the specific situation, but all supportive measures are designed to ensure those impacted by sexual violence or harrassment maintain their academic, social and professional well-being.
Some examples of support provided by the Office for Equity:
- No-contact directives
- Changes in living arrangements
- Preventing all contact and communication between two persons
- Excused absences from school or work
- Academic support, such as extensions of time to complete assignments and assessments
- Referral to counseling, medical, safety planning, advocacy or other services both on- and off-campus.
Division of Public Safety
Survivors of sexual assault and other crimes are encouraged to visit the Division of Public Safety when they need help or advice. CWRU Police provide education and assistance to victims of sexual assault through safety presentations, strategic partnerships on- and off-campus, and continuing education to stay current on trauma-informed policing, victim advocacy, laws and other matters involving campus law enforcement.
Partnerships
The Division of Public Safety works closely with campus and community partners to assure the best course of actions for survivors, including the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Cleveland Division of Police Sex Crimes Unit, the University Hospitals Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), the Office of Equity and victim advocates from the Mather Center.
In addition to the partnerships mentioned above, Division of Public Safety staff are also members of the Cuyahoga County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and take an active role with It’s On CWRU’s Community Coordinated Response Team.
Outreach, Assessment, Resources and Response Team
Last year, the university announced the formation of the Outreach, Assessment, Resources and Response (OARR) Team—this team includes an officer that is trained in crisis response as well as a licensed clinician who will respond to various calls, with a focus on mental health-related encounters, welfare checks and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Find more support
To view a complete list of confidential and non-confidential campus and community resources that are available to students, staff, faculty and postdocs, visit the Office of Equity website.