Rape definition broadened to include male victims
The Obama administration has broadened the definition of the crime of rape. This new definition has now broadened to include more forms of sexual assault, including the rape of men.
NBC reports that the new definition of the crime of rape now includes any gender of victim and attacker. Rape also now includes victims who cannot give consent because they are incapacitated, under the age of consent or mentally/physically incapable of giving consent. What’s more, physical resistance on the part of the victim is not required to demonstrate lack of consent.
“This long-awaited change to the definition of rape is a victory for women and men across the country whose suffering has gone unaccounted for over 80 years,” Vice President Joe Biden said in a statement.
“This new, more inclusive definition will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the scope and volume of these crimes,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.
Read more about the broadened definition of rape here.
