Tackling rape myths in the UK ABV Solicitors Rape is considered one of the most devastating things that can happen to a person. Yet, for some reason, in the UK and indeed the world, there are a lot of myths that surround sexual assault and specifically rape. For some reason, society has accepted that rape is indeed an incredibly serious issue, whereas many people still hold on to ideas relating to rape, which are devastating to the victim and can often prevent people who are the victims of this crime from coming forward. If you have been accused of sexually assaulting somebody, the first thing you need to do is contact a sexual offence solicitor, who will be able to go through the details with you and devise a defence on your behalf. Hiring a sexual offence solicitor is not an admission of guilt but rather what often results in any penalties you receive being lessened. So without further ado, here are 5 common myths that surround rape in the UK. Rape is always violent This is a bizarre stereotype that many people have cultivated from watching television shows. Rape is not always violent and does not always involve somebody being restrained; this means that you can be accused of rape even if no force was used, and if this is the case, you will still need to seek the advice of a sexual offence solicitor. The idea of a person not being held down is no longer a viable defence against a rape accusation. Only young people get raped Many older people are also victims of rape, and in some instances, there have been accusations of this act being performed in nursing homes. So, if you have been accused of raping somebody, do not assume that their age will have any part in your defence. If you have been accused of raping or sexually assaulting an older person, you will still need to contact a sexual offence solicitor for advice. You cannot be raped by your spouse or partner Yes, you can, and it is a common reason why many people seek the advice of a sexual offence solicitor, as they have been accused of this by their partner or former partner. Regardless of your relationship with the person putting forward the accusation, you will still need to seek the advice of a sexual offence solicitor. If you dress a certain way, rape is your own fault This is a very unnerving myth that is still prevalent in many circles today and is the equivalent of saying if somebody walks out of the house with a wallet, they're asking to be mugged, which is obviously not the case. Irrespective of what someone is wearing, sexual assault is not acceptable. In cases where a sexual offence solicitor is defending your corner, they will very rarely rely on what the accuser was wearing at the time. Real rape victims come forward straight away Psychologists have found that in the majority of cases when somebody is sexually assaulted, they disassociate; this means they may not have any recollection of the event at all. It may take a long time for somebody to come forward and accuse another person of this offence. If you have been accused of a historical sexual offence, you will need to seek the representation of a sexual offence solicitor. References: https://www.abvsolicitors.co.uk/services/sexual-offence-solicitor/ https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/rape-and-sexual-offences-annex- tackling-rape-myths-and-stereotypes https://sexualviolence.idas.org.uk/about-sexual-violence-and-abuse/myths- around-sexual-violence/