Myths & realities: sexual assault & the gay and lesbian community

MYTH:   Only gay men are sexually assaulted.

REALITY:   The incidence of sexual assault involving gay male victims is slightly higher than for heterosexual males, but this is largely due to the fact that gay men can become the target of anti-gay violence perpetuated by other men. Heterosexual men can be, and are, sexually assaulted in large numbers.


MYTH:   Only gay men sexually assault other men.

REALITY:   The vast majority of male offenders who sexually abuse or assault other men identify themselves as heterosexual. Some offenders target males simply because it gives them a greater feeling of dominance, power and control than abusing a woman.

Sexual assault is about violence and anger, not lust or sexual attraction. The vast majority of males who target boys for sexual abuse are not gay.


MYTH:   Sexual assault between gay or lesbian partners does not exist.

REALITY:   Sexual abuse and sexual assault can occur within any relationship. Through physical, psychological or emotional coercion, some gay men and lesbian women are forced by their partners to engage in non-consensual sexual acts. No person in a committed relationship should ever be regarded as the sexual property of his or her partner.