If a person you know was accused of sexual assault, how likely would you be to believe the person accusing them?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Exploring how a person might approach believing an accusation involves considering credibility, evidence, and biases. Each option represents a different stance on initial belief.
Option 1: 'Not at all likely' — This stance suggests you would not believe an accusation under any circumstance. It ignores the possibility that the accuser could be telling the truth and that cases of assault do occur. It also dismisses the impact of credible evidence or corroboration. A blanket disbelief can undermine accountability and risk harming potential victims by signaling that accusations will be dismissed out of hand.
Option 2: 'A little likely' — This implies a high threshold for belief, requiring substantial proof before taking the accusation seriously. While caution is reasonable in seeking evidence, labeling belief as only slightly likely may reflect excessive skepticism, especially in cases involving non-consensual sexual activity where reporting dynamics, power imbalances, and trauma can shape testimony. It may undervalue the seriousness of the allegation and the importance of taking steps to investigate.
Option 3: 'Somewhat likely' — This option indicates a moderate tendency to believe the accuser, acknowledging that belief should be guided by available information and context. It allows for considering credibility, corroborating details, and potential motive, while still leaving room for doubt if evidence is weak. This stance often aligns with careful, evidence-based assessment rather than reflexive disbelief.
Option 4: 'Very likely' — This reflects a strong inclination to believe the accuser, which can be appropriate in many contexts given the seriousness of sexual assault and the importance of validating victims’ experiences. However, it should be tempered by a commitment to due process: while belief is crucial, decisions should still be informed by credible evidence and fair investigation to avoid harming the accused unjustly if the situation warrants further scrutiny.
Option 5: 'Extremely likely' — This expresses near-certainty in the accusation, which can be appropriate in cases with strong corroboration and consistent, credible testimony. Yet it risks rushing to judgment in ambiguous situations where evidence is still being gathered. Maintaining openness to new information and ensuring a thorough, careful review helps prevent potential miscarriages of justice for both the accuser and the accused.

GetWIse@Home for New Students | Fall 2025 1. SexWIse Pre-Module Survey

If a person you know was accused of sexual assault, how likely would you be to believe the person accusing them?

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