MYTHS

FACTS

Men sexually abuse children because they cannot control their sexual urges.

Sexual assaults are violent crimes committed by people who are in a position of power and violate the trust placed in them.

Sexual assaults are involuntary acts committed by strangers in the dark.

The majority of sexual assaults are premeditated acts of aggression committed by trusted people, often close friends and family members.

Decent girls don’t get sexually assaulted.

All females, from children to old women are prone to sexual abuse.

Children invite abuse by the way the dress.

Sexual abuse happens irrespective of the way the children dress.

A precocious child gets abused.

Perpetrator is not influenced by only children who may be precocious.

Children have to obey elders and cannot say “NO” when they are affectionately addressed by an adult even if it makes them uncomfortable. This is the Eastern culture!

Any person who is not comfortable with a touch or show of affection has the right to say “NO” and the child needs to be empowered to do so.

Children have vivid imagination and lie often when they speak of being abused.

Children lack the language to “make up stories” of the abuse.

It is fine to promise the child confidentiality when he she confides in you.

Care should be taken while promising confidentiality in case the child needs medical attention and the abuse is detected.

Sex with minors who are virgins is a cure for people suffering from venereal diseases.

Sex with minors is NOT a cure for venereal diseases. Only medical treatment helps