Sexual assault and rape are violent and terrifying crimes and represent a serious problem in society. Edwards, Turchik, Dardis, Reynolds, and Gidycz (2011) reported that up to 25% of U.S. women will experience a completed or attempted rape in their lifetime. Aronowitz, Lambert, and Davidoff (2012) state that the most vulnerable population is women between the ages of 16 and 24, and 25 out of 100 women will report being raped during their college years. Miller (2014) reports that 67% of victims know their perpetrators while only 24% of perpetrators are strangers. It is not uncommon for victims of rape and sexual assault to be held responsible for their attack by society, law enforcement personnel, and even family and friends due to widely held social stigmas based on inaccurate beliefs about rape and on sexual violence; However, the reality is that rape is a violent crime committed to exert power and control, and the victim is never responsible for the attack. This article will discuss some of the reasons why victim blaming occurs, the impact on female victims and how changing attitudes towards the crime of sexual assault and rape can help and empower victims and place blame on the perpetrator of the crime to which it belongs. Grubb and Turner (2012) explain that rape is a pervasive social problem that occurs internationally and in every culture. Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. While men can be victims of sexual violence, the vast majority of victims are women. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), rape is “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus by any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sexual organ of another person, without the victim's consent." ” (...... middle of the document ...... victims can access medical and legal resources Eze and Eke (2015) express the need for universal definitions of sexual violence among the community, law enforcement and health personnel Individuals and institutions who support ideals that make it easier for victims to report sexual crimes and support the implementation of streamlined investigations and evidence collection. Furthermore, the implementation of this process in centers equipped with psychological professionals and doctors, as well as police and investigators to provide comprehensive services While creating a more just society in which rapists are held accountable for their crimes and victims are supported is somewhat unrealistic today, joining rape victims and advocates to push for small changes is a step in the right direction that can lead to substantial changes over time.