Abstract
There are many stereotypes about sexual assault which are not true and which act insidiously to impute blame on the victim. This paper aims to destroy these myths about what rape is; who rapes; why men rape; and the impact on the victim/survivor. It also considers the impact of these myths on rape statistics and reporting; rape prevention, particularly changing attitudes, behaviour and the response of the criminal justice system; precautions against rape; and the need for increased resources for crisis services.