Myth -that it is the result of overwhelming sexual desire.

Reality - Rape is about power, control, violence and anger.

Myth -that women "ask for it" by the way they dress, behave, etc.

Reality - Do you think nuns, old women or children "ask for it"? Nobody "asks" to be raped.

Myth - that if you really wanted to, you could stop it.

Reality - Most people freeze under the circumstances, they can't move, and are incapable of stopping it. (Whatever they did was the best they could do at the time).

Myth - that men cannot be raped.

Reality - Men are raped and not necessarily as a homosexual act. Men are raped by individuals and by groups.

Myth - that only strangers rape or sexually assault people.

Reality -The majority are raped or sexually assaulted by someone known to them.

Myth -that people sometimes make false accusations out of spite.

Reality- This can happen with all crimes and should never be used to discredit rape or sexual abuse complainants.

Wexford Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service - a free and confidential service.