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What is rape? Rape is any act of forced sexual intercourse. No matter what the reasons are for carrying out that act, rape is a crime.

When the topic of rape is discussed, what people envision is: A provocatively dressed woman walking in the dark by herself when a stranger comes out of the bushes and attacks her. Yes, to some extent, that is true. However, there are many different scenarios: a girl could be in her room when her step-father walks in and sexually assaults her; a woman could be in the park with her boyfriend when he forces himself onto her; a man could pin his wife onto their bed and enter her even though she is not in the mood.

What are the myths and facts of rape?

Myth: Rape is sex.
Fact: Rape is not consensual sex.

Myth: Most rapists are strangers.
Fact: There are women who get attacked by strangers. In most cases, the victim knows the rapist. The rapist could be a family member, a relative, a boyfriend, a friend, a classmate, a co-worker, etc.

Myth: A rapist is usually scruffy-looking.
Fact: A rapist can be very decent-looking so that you would not suspect him. Remember, appearances can be very deceiving.

Myth: A man cannot rape his wife because it is her duty to fulfill his sexual needs.
Fact: As long as a woman does not consent to it, it is rape.

Myth: Since a man has spent extravagantly on a woman, she has to pay him back by giving him sex.
Fact: Nobody owes anybody anything as long as sex is involved.

Myth: If a woman is drunk, provocatively dressed or flirtatious, she deserves to be raped because she is 'asking for it'.
Fact: As long as a woman does not consent to it, it is rape. Plus, it is not just scantily clad women who get sexually assaulted; conservatively dressed women also get raped. Some conservatively dressed victims include women in tudongs.

Myth: If a woman did not fight back or does not have bruises, it means she was not raped.
Fact: A woman may not have been able to fight back because she was drunk, drugged or threatened by the rapist. Fighting back may cause her to lose her life.

Myth: Most rape cases are falsified.
Fact: There are a few false reports of rape because the woman wanted to get back at the man. However, majority of rape cases are true.

Myth: Most rapes occur in the dark.
Fact: Rapes occur in the dark and in broad daylight.

Myth: Since the woman is in the sex industry, she deserves to be raped.
Fact: As long as a woman does not consent to it, it is rape.

Myth: Once you have been raped, you are worthless.
Fact: Being raped does not make you worthless.

Myth: You are the only victim of rape.
Fact: You are not alone.

Most victims of rape are too afraid to report it to the police because:

- they knew and trusted the rapist.
- a lot of rape cases are dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
- victims have been humiliated in court.

If you have been raped, it is better to report it otherwise your perpetrator will only rape someone else. Remember, you are not alone. There are other victims too. Maybe you can get together with them to form a support group.

Films that deal with the issue of rape include:

- The Accused (1988)
- Derailed (2005)
- Double Jeopardy (1992)
- I Accuse (2003)
- Raw Deal: A Question of Consent (2001)
- Showgirls (1995)
- A Time to Kill (1996)

If you are interested in producing a film on sexual assault, let me know.

Learn more about this author, Vicki Tan.
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