Five myths and facts about sexual violence

Harmful myths about sexual violence continue to shape laws, investigations, and judicial decisions, reinforcing impunity and denying survivors access to justice. This booklet debunks five common myths and highlights the international human rights standards needed to build survivor-centred laws and justice systems.

Recommendations

• Place consent at the centre of sexual violence laws: Define sexual violence based on the absence of freely given consent rather than the use of force or physical resistance.
• Eliminate harmful gender stereotypes in the justice system: Ensure investigations and judicial decisions are based on evidence rather than myths, stereotypes, or assumptions about survivors’ behaviour.
• Adopt survivor-centred justice approaches: Prevent revictimisation by recognising the effects of trauma and respecting survivors’ dignity, autonomy, and rights throughout legal proceedings.
• Reform discriminatory laws and practices: Remove legal barriers, including discriminatory offences such as estupro that prevent survivors from accessing justice.
• Align national laws with international human rights standards: Strengthen legislation and judicial practice in line with the jurisprudence of international human rights bodies.