• MYTH 1: Most rapes are committed by strangers.

  FACT: More often than not, sexual assault is perpetrated by a family member, relative, friend or acquaintance. In fact, in 64% of reported cases the victim knew the accused.
  

• MYTH 2: People sometimes say "no", whey they really mean "yes".

  FACT: No means NO, regardless of the circumstance. Also, if someone says "yes" under duress it is not consent—consent must be given voluntarily.
  

• MYTH 3: Men can't be raped.

  FACT: Many men don't report their sexual assault, so statistics are limited. However, of the assaults that are reported, approximately 15.7% of them involve male victims.
  

• MYTH 4: She must have somehow "asked for it."

  FACT: This is often how the attacker justifies his behavior. What ‘type of woman' she is, what her occupation is, or how a woman dresses or acts, are irrelevant. No one asks to be raped.
  

• MYTH 5: Women who feel guilty or vindictive often lie about being raped.

  FACT: Rarely are false reports of sexual assault made. The truth is, sexual assault is a greatly under-reported crime, especially if the survivor knows her (or his) attacker.
  

• MYTH 6: Certain types of women are "unrapeable."

  FACT: Regardless of a woman's profession or sexual practices, she can still be sexually assaulted. If consent isn't given willingly it is rape. Rape is not about the sex, it is an act of dominance and control.
  

• MYTH 7: Women can't be assaulted by husbands or boyfriends.

  FACT: According to the law, a woman has the right to say no to her significant other. Again, it's about willing consent. If it's not given, it's sexual assault.
  

• MYTH 8: Carrying some form of protection can prevent sexual assault.

  FACT: Maybe. Maybe not. But telling someone that carrying mace or keys between their fingers, etc could prevent an attack only adds to a survivor's sense of guilt and self-blame.
  

• MYTH 9: Rape is a crime of passion.

  FACT: In over 70% of the cases, rape is a premeditated act of VIOLENCE, and has nothing to do with passion. The vast majority of rapists are motivated by power, anger, and control, not sexual gratification.
  

• MYTH 10: People who are intoxicated or on drugs are willing to participate in any kind of sexual activity.

  FACT: Drinking or taking drugs does not imply consent. In fact, alcohol and drugs can render a person incapable of consent—and no consent equals assault.
  

► Two New Campaigns Launch as Part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Initiative.

Halifax-Antigonish, NS: May 1, 2012: The theme this year is “Take Action to prevent sexualized violence and promote healthy sexuality in Nova Scotia”. The campaigns focus on changing messages and stereotypes about sexual consent, sex and drinking, and alcohol and drug facilitated sexual assault...

► SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Plays a Pivotal Role in the Conviction.

Halifax, NS: April 3, 2012: DNA was successfully obtained from a swab from an area visualized by the SANEs with the alternate light source after the victim had showered...

► Silence is the Enemy of Change.

What began as five courageous sexual violence survivors who shared their names, faces and stories as part of The Voices and Faces Project is now 300 members strong. 300 women who are standing up and speaking out in order to change minds, hearts and public policies through the power of their personal stories...

► Bold Initiative Continues to Create a Lot of Buzz.

Edmonton, AB: March 12, 2012: The “Hey Buddy Don’t Be That Guy” campaign is going global. Originally created in response to findings that 48% of 18-25 year old males didn’t consider it rape if a woman drank too much,the campaign is resonating with communities from Texas to Australia...

► The World’s First Testimonial Writing Workshop for Survivors of Sexual Violence Makes its Canada Debut.

Edmonton, AB: March 5, 2012: Thanks to the generous support of the Donner Canadian Foundation and the Goldblatt Family Fund. Co-created by R. Clifton Spargo, an award-winning fiction writer and The Voices and Faces Project creative initiatives team, this two-day workshop provides an up-close and personal look at the experiences of women who have lived through violence...

►Making a Difference Canada Appeals to Senate Committee on Production of Sexual Assault Offence Proceedings

March 5, 2012: The Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs is conducting a review on the provisions and operations of the Act to amend the Criminal Code of Canada as it relates to the production of sexual offence proceedings. The Committee will analyze the trends of the impact of the law and subsequent case law that has been developed...

► Follow Up: “Sex Offender Registration and Management” Conference

Niagara Region, ON: March 8, 2012: In recognition of the Ontario Sex Offender Registry’s 10th Anniversary, the Niagara Regional Police in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, Woodstock Police Service and the Ontario Sex Offender Registry hosted the 2011 Conference on Sex Offender Registration and Management in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada...