Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: Men and boys are now identified as victims of rape, which was previously unaccounted for.
[6 January 2012] - The federal government decided today to expand the definition of rape and to include men and boys. Rape is currently defined as the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. The new definition is any kind of penetration of another person, regardless of gender, without the victim's consent. Rape support groups say this is a big victory for women and men whose suffering has gone unaccounted for for over 80 years. United Family Service's Joey Honeycutt trains rape crisis volunteers. Honeycutt says they currently serve less male rape victims than female. "We believe that's not because men aren't being impacted by these issues, but because as a society, we've come to think of it only as a women's issue. therefore, it's that much more difficult and stigmatising for men to disclose when they have been victims of it," said Honeycutt. The latest FBI annual crime report does not include statistics for the number of rapes involving men or boys because they weren't included in the definition. "This is an excellent first step to really validating a variety of experiences that absolutely constitute rape, but previously have not been recognised as such," said Honeycutt. Attorney General Eric Holder calls the change long overdue and added that the changes will paint a more accurate picture of the scope and high volume of the issue. "We're finally getting the statistics we need to see that and then hopefully put the resources in back of it through prosecutions and assistance to victims to help minimise... to help reduce the number of rapes in America," said Mia Fernandez, executive director of National Center for Victims of Crime. Right now, the new definition doesn't change federal or state laws and can't alter criminal charges. But, local groups still think it's a step in the right direction. Further Information:
Owner: Audrina Bigospdf: http://www.foxcharlotte.com/news/local/Government-Changes-Definition-of-...