Looking for a tool to facilitate a discussion about the myths and realities of false denunciations of sexual violence? This animated video can be a good resource.
We often hear judgemental comments about women making up stories about being sexually assaulted to get back at men, and that their accounts of violence would be in fact false accusations. Unfortunately, victims are far too often received with judgement and doubt.
This type of reaction is part of rape culture, discredits the voices of survivors and contributes to discouraging them from speaking out and reporting sexual violence. This animated video by the YWCA Montreal aims to deconstruct the myth of false denunciations.
Dismantling Rape Culture with Facts and Humor
Myth or Reality: False Denunciations is an animated video that encourages reflection through humor and education. Using a skunk attack as a metaphor for sexual assault, the video illustrates how society often blames the victim, like the main character, Sarah, regardless of how absurd it may be. Such misconceptions are harmful for victims who choose to disclose their cases of sexual violence.
If you work in an educational environment, this video can be used to raise awareness among both students and staff alike. Using humor and satire, this resource demystifies false accusations sparing a moralizing or accusatory tone.
This tool addresses several notions linked to rape culture such as the presumption of innocence, the sexual violence hierarchy and the revictimisation. It provides comparative data on reported cases and false accusations.
We recommend that you watch the video as a group and follow up with a discussion to optimize the learning of key concepts and links between the various themes.
YWCA Montreal’s Expertise
The YWCA Montreal is renowned for creating tools to support intervention workers on the issues of sexual and gender-based violence. The production of this animated video was made possible with funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada.
