Mothers of sexually abused children often feel that no matter what they do it is considered wrong by the legal system and society in general. If they react to their child’s disclosure of sexual abuse with anger and take steps to ensure the safety and protection of their child, they may be called mean, hysterical or insane in court proceedings. Mothers who work to suppress their unmitigated rage, calmly carrying out the duties needed to protect their children, say they are accused of falsely accusing their child’s perpetrator.
Myth – Only 11% of rapes are committed by ‘strangers’. Women are raped in their homes and in their work places, where they are less likely to be believed and even less likely to report. More than 85% of rapes are committed by known men.