Why would someone falsely accuse you of sexual assault?

On Behalf of Kirsch Daskas Law Group | Nov 30, 2021 | Sexual assault 

A few crimes are as heinous as sexual assault. A mere rumor that you might have sexually assaulted someone can ruin your career, draw a wedge between you and your loved ones and result in criminal charges with the possibility of spending years in jail if convicted. 

While data shows that most reports of sexual assault are sincere (whether they’re provable or not), false reports can and do happen.

If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, understanding your accuser’s motivations can also help inform your defense strategy in court. Here are two major reasons that people make false allegations about sexual abuses:

To blackmail or extort you into doing what they want

Someone may attempt to use false sexual assault claims to force you into complying with their demands. For example, an employee may demand a promotion or a pay raise and threaten to “cry rape” if you refuse.

If you decline to give in, the accusing party may follow through with their threat and file a sexual assault claim against you. 

To gain an upper hand during a family situation

False allegations of sexual assault are often tied to family issues. 

A spouse who is angry about a pending divorce, for example, may claim that you sexually abused them or your child in order to force you out of the family home and gain an upper hand in a custody case. Or, a stepchild might claim you touched them inappropriately to try to break up your relationship with their other parent.

Whether the accusations are false or not, there’s no doubt that the situation is serious. It is important that you understand how to defend yourself and protect your entire future.