Sexual Assault

On the topic of sexual assault, there does tend to be the notion that women who get sexually assaulted are usually asking for it, whether they are dressed in skimpy clothes, dancing promiscuously at a bar, or have a bad reputation. According to Martha Burt who put together numerous myths about sexual assault, none of these are true, and in fact any female can get raped. In my opinion however, it may not be so much that they are 'asking for it,' and they certainly don't deserve it, as no one does, but I do think that when women dress or act promiscuously, they are drawing unwanted, negative attention to themselves. I honestly do believe that girls know what they're doing when they act and dress in this way. They are looking for attention, and it drives me crazy when I see this, because it's not positive attention at all. Now this isn't the case with all rape victims. I read in one of my textbooks this semester that often rapists look at people's body posture and gesture when they choose victims. I can't remember exactly why this was, but I believe it was along the lines of when people slouch or display any other gestures that give off the impression of insecurity or weakness, it makes them more attractive victims. No matter what role the victim is in, they are just that; a victim, and sexual assault is a very serious and scary issue that affects people of all ages, gender, and sexual orientation. As well, it occurs within different relationships. A victim can be a complete stranger, a friend, acquaintance or family member, and as discussed in class, 80% of the time, the victim actually knows the assailant.