In India, sexual assault, despite being one of the most disturbing issues of current times, is often least understood by individuals and society at large. Rape, the most serious form of sexual violence, is often trivialized and justified at both the individual and societal levels, mostly owing to commonly held prevalent misconceptions, myths, and false beliefs. Unfortunately, the myths surrounding sexual assault/rape are deep rooted and well percolated in our patriarchal system. No wonder that the common myths such as "no visible injuries means no rape," "women are often responsible for getting into trouble," "young and good looking women are more vulnerable to sexual assaults," and "women are more likely to be raped by strangers" are widely accepted and perpetuated. As such, the suggested preventive measures or edicts are a direct reflection of these misconceptions; namely, women should avoid going out alone especially at night, avoid late night parties, avoid alcohol and drugs at parties, and avoid wearing tight, skimpy, or provocative clothing. Such responses only serve to further propagate such rape myths.

Hooven (2005) concludes that "rape myths are unsubstantiated cultural beliefs that can lead men to justify raping women." It is not uncommon to find lay people, as well as those in authority, especially those involved in policy decisions, making irresponsible statements regarding the problem of sexual assault and its causes, legal provisions, and preventive measures. Although a lot of attention is paid to changes in the legislature and provision for stringent measures to deal with sexual offences including rape, surprisingly, very little effort is made to understand the mindset of people in this regard. Justice cannot be brought to vulnerable groups by way of legal amendments and more stringent laws alone. The need of the hour is a positive change in the mindset of the general public at large. The public at large should be sensitized to respect women (and men) and further informed regarding the ill effects of sexual violence.

Clearly, understanding the reasons for the wide acceptance of rape myths is a complex phenomenon. Further appreciation of the extent and variations of rape myths over the years is warranted. Moreover, the perceptions and beliefs surrounding sexual offences are likely to vary in different groups, based on age, gender, education, profession, religious beliefs, family background, and nationality, among others. Additional study of rape myths considering these specific contextual factors may further identify the status of the problem and ways to deal with it effectively. Unless these widely held prevalent beliefs and rape myths are identified and challenged within different contextual groups, there may not be a way forward. Challenging the myths and sensitizing the general public on different aspects and variants of rape are thus vital in curbing this menace. The article entitled "Debunking three rape myths" by Carr et al. (2014) is a useful addition to the literature in this regard. We are left wondering, however, if medical professionals who are integral to medicolegal investigations in sexual assault cases hold similar misconceptions and myths that are prevalent in society at large. Or do they possess more comprehensive understanding of the issues surrounding sexual assault and, as a result, hold more rationale beliefs regarding sexual violence? Their understanding is vital to the effective management of victims of rape and legal investigations in such cases and, as such, warrants further investigation.

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