Sexual assault is a serious issue and includes any unwanted sexual activity.

• It's against the law to force someone to do something sexually that they don't want to do
• This is the case regardless of the gender, sexuality, age or culture of the survivor or the perpetrator
• It's difficult for anyone to talk about sexual assault and to access the services that they require - for the GLBT community, it can be even more difficult

Myths about same-sex sexual assault

There are many myths about same-sex sexual assault. They can create a climate in which people are reluctant to speak about what has happened to them. It is important to recognise and challenge certain beliefs so that survivors of same-sex sexual assault may receive the acceptance, understanding and support that they need. 

Myth: Same-sex sexual assault does not exist.

This belief is unfounded and untrue. Such beliefs may make it difficult for survivors to find someone to talk to, obtain services, or even believe themselves that they were assaulted. 

Myth: Sexual assault is about sexual gratification.

Sexual assault is not about sexual gratification. Although sexual assault involves sexual acts, it is motivated by the desire for power and control over another person. Sexual assault is not a sexual act, it is an act of control and domination.

Myth: A strong person cannot be sexually assaulted. They must have consented.

Being strong is no defence against sexual assault. Failing to fight off attackers does not mean consent was given. Weapons, threats, being outnumbered or frozen by fear, makes fighting back impossible for most victims. 

Myth: Men and women who assault someone of the same-sex must be homosexual.

Both homosexual and heterosexual men and women can sexually assault others of the same-sex. Those who commit sexual assault are motivated by the desire for power over others, regardless of sexual preference. 

Myth: Men and women who are assaulted by someone of the same-sex must be homosexual.

Both homosexual and heterosexual men and women can be sexually assaulted by someone of the same-sex. Sexual assault can also be part of a bias or hate crime against someone perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. 

Myth: Women do not perpetrate sexual violence.

Sexual assault is commonly defined only in terms of male penetration and intercourse. As a result, woman to woman sexual assault is rarely acknowledged or spoken about.  However, women can be perpetrators as well as survivors of same-sex sexual assault. 

Myth: All perpetrators are strangers.

The vast majority of same-sex sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows, ranging from friends and acquaintances to dates, romantic partners, and spouses or domestic partners.

More info

Contact: ACON's Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project

Tel: (AVP Report-Line) (02) 9206 2116
Free call: 1800 063 060

E-mail: avp@acon.org.au

NSW Rape Crisis Centre

NSW Rape Crisis is a twenty four hour telephone and online crisis, support and referral service for anyone in NSW who has experienced sexual violence.

Tel: (02) 9819 7357

Web: www.nswrapecrisis.com.au

Sexual Assault (NSW Government)

NSW Government site containing further information and referrals.

Web: www.sexualassault.nsw.gov.au