Select the statement that is NOT TRUE regarding sexual assault cases.

The choice stating that historically in the U.S., we have been socialized to never blame the victim of a sexual assault is not true. In reality, societal perceptions often lead to victim-blaming attitudes, where victims of sexual assault are held responsible for the assault due to their behavior, clothing, or actions leading up to the incident. This victim-blaming culture has been documented extensively and continues to influence how cases are perceived and handled within both the public sphere and the criminal justice system.

Understanding the dynamics of sexual assault is crucial, and it’s recognized that these misconceptions can affect how law enforcement officers and the general public view and respond to such cases. The key aspects of sexual assault being about power and control rather than merely sexual desire highlight the importance of shifting the narrative away from victim-blaming. Furthermore, acknowledging that many sexual assault cases do not align with societal stereotypes helps clarify that the reality of these crimes is often more complex and varied than public perception suggests.