Sexual violence (SV) is considered a major public health problem affecting the lifelong health, opportunities, and wellbeing of hundreds of millions of people.1 Most recent estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that 27 % of females aged over 15 experience physical and/or SV at the hands of their partner, whilst 6 % suffer SV from somebody other than their partner at least once in their life.2 Further, it is estimated that between 45 % and 55 % of European women and 37 % of American women have suffered some type of sexual abuse at some time throughout their life.3,4
Few studies have examined perceptions of the general public regarding SV, with existing research suggesting that there are many myths about SV, and these can be harmful, as they spread misinformation and prejudices about victims or perpetrators of SV.5…