The #MeToo movement sparked global conversations about sexual assault, harassment, and consent. Survivors shared their stories publicly, shining a light on the widespread nature of sexual violence. Many hoped this would lead to greater understanding — and a decline in harmful stereotypes known as rape myths.
But research suggests that while awareness has increased, misconceptions about sexual assault still persist. In fact, research conducted in 2018 shows that the most common trial defense tactics involve perpetuating these age-old myths. Understanding these myths — and the science behind public beliefs — is critical for ensuring fairness in both our communities and our courtrooms.
What Are Rape Myths?
Rape myths are false beliefs or stereotypes that serve to blame victims, excuse perpetrators, or downplay the seriousness of sexual assault. Common examples include:
- “If it really happened, they would have reported it right away.”
- “Victims lie about rape to get attention or revenge.”
- “You can tell it was rape if the victim physically fought back.”
- “If they were drinking or dressed a certain way, they were asking for it.”
These myths are not based on evidence — they contradict decades of research on victim behavior, trauma, and sexual violence.
Has the #MeToo Movement Changed Public Beliefs?
Since #MeToo gained momentum in 2017, studies have examined whether public attitudes toward rape myths have improved. The findings are mixed.
Areas of Progress:
- Increased Awareness: More people now recognize that sexual assault happens in all communities and often involves someone the victim knows.
- Greater Willingness to Believe Survivors: In some groups, particularly younger generations, there’s been a noticeable shift toward questioning harmful stereotypes.
Areas of Concern:
- Persistence of Rape Myths: Research shows that many rape myths remain deeply rooted, especially among certain demographics or in legal settings.
- Backlash and “False Allegation” Fears: Some studies report an increase in public fears about false accusations, despite the fact that this fear is not supported by the research.
- Misunderstanding Trauma Responses: Even with greater awareness, many people still struggle to understand how trauma affects behavior — such as why victims may freeze, delay reporting, or have memory gaps.
What the Research Shows
Several recent studies offer insight into public beliefs since #MeToo:
- A 2021 review published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that while explicit rape myth acceptance has decreased slightly in some populations, implicit biases and subtle myths remain common.
- Research from the Journal of Interpersonal Violence indicates that people exposed to #MeToo messaging are more likely to support survivors, but this effect is strongest when individuals already held progressive views.
- Studies also show that in legal contexts, jurors may still bring rape myths into the courtroom, especially regarding how “real victims” are expected to behave.
Why This Matters in the Legal System
Rape myths can directly influence how jurors, investigators, and even professionals interpret the behavior of survivors. For example:
- A delayed report may be seen as evidence that the assault didn’t happen.
- Lack of physical resistance may be misunderstood as consent.
- Memory gaps or inconsistencies may be viewed as dishonesty, rather than the normal effects of trauma.
Research-informed, trauma-aware education is essential to counteract these misconceptions and ensure that survivors are treated fairly.
Final Thoughts
The #MeToo movement has changed the conversation about sexual violence — but it hasn’t erased rape myths. These harmful beliefs continue to shape public attitudes and can influence the legal process.