"National Rape Day" is a viral social media hoax that first surfaced in April 2021. It is characterized by claims that sexual assault is "legal" or "encouraged" on April 24th, a narrative that has been repeatedly debunked by researchers, law enforcement, and social media platforms. Overview of the Hoax
: The trend began on TikTok in April 2021, coinciding with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It allegedly started from a video made by a group of men declaring April 24th as "National Rape Day".
: Police departments globally have issued statements confirming there is no such "legal" day and that all sexual assault remains a serious criminal offense. RAPE DAY
: Warning videos, while well-intentioned, can reinforce the "rape myth" that victims are responsible for preventing their own assaults. Responses and Countermeasures
: Organizations like Action for Personal Choice provide resources for parents and educators to talk to teens about these posts, emphasizing that rape is never acceptable or legal. "National Rape Day" is a viral social media
: Researchers at ISD Global label this "zombie misinformation" because it resurfaces nearly every April despite being thoroughly debunked. Impact and Social Harms
: The spread of such content can trigger severe trauma symptoms in survivors of sexual assault. It allegedly started from a video made by
Despite being fake, the "holiday" causes significant real-world harm: