Final answer:
An erroneous and harmful conclusion based on sexual assault data is that sexual assault is rare, victims provoke the assault, reporting rates are accurate, and perpetrators are strangers.
Step-by-step explanation:
An erroneous and harmful conclusion that people often make based on sexual assault data is that sexual assault is rare. This conclusion is misleading and fails to acknowledge the prevalence of sexual assault in society. Studies have shown that sexual assault is a widespread issue, with many cases going unreported.
Furthermore, it is important to debunk the notion that most victims provoke the assault. Victim-blaming is a harmful mindset that places the responsibility on the victim instead of holding the perpetrator accountable.
Reporting rates are inaccurate is another erroneous conclusion that people make based on sexual assault data. Many victims hesitate to report due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or mistrust in the justice system, leading to underreporting.
Lastly, the statement that perpetrators are strangers is misleading. While some sexual assaults are committed by strangers, the majority are perpetrated by individuals known to the victim, such as acquaintances, partners, or family members.