Yes, that’s a common myth about rape—that it only happens in “dangerous” places like alleys, bars, or dark streets. The truth is that rape can happen anywhere, including places considered safe like schools, churches, homes, workplaces, or even among people you know and trust.

This myth persists because society often associates danger with unfamiliar places or strangers, but in reality, most sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows—friends, family members, classmates, coworkers, or authority figures. So limiting safety advice to “don’t go to dark alleys” or “don’t party at night” doesn’t actually prevent the majority of assaults.

It’s also why emphasizing consent, respect, and boundaries is far more effective than teaching “place-based safety.” Some parents believe not letting kids go places will prevent it Exactly—that’s another widespread belief. Some parents think if they control where their kids go, who they hang out with, or how they dress, they can “protect” them from sexual assault. But while supervision can reduce certain risks, it doesn’t prevent rape, because:

1. Most assaults happen by someone known to the victim – not strangers in alleys. So keeping kids away from “bad” places doesn’t stop the real danger.
2. Overprotection can backfire – it can make children less likely to report uncomfortable situations, think they’re “at fault,” or develop the confidence to set boundaries.
3. Rape is about power, not location – it’s about control and coercion, not about being in a risky place.

So the most effective protections are education, teaching consent, healthy boundaries, and accountability, not just limiting where kids go.