Rape

The picture The Bulgarian martyresses by Konstantin Makovsky (1877)

Rape is having sexual intercourse with a person who does not want to, or cannot consent. Consent is when someone agrees of their own choice without being forced to. Rape is a form of sexual assault. In most countries, rape is one of most serious crimes. International Criminal Court also can condemn it as a "crime against humanity", if done by a group. A person who rapes someone is a rapist. Rapists may use violence, drugs, or threats to get their way.

People who cannot consent

A person may be unable to consent (say yes to) to sexual intercourse or other sexual activity. Having sex with a person who cannot consent is rape.

Children

• Children and teenagers under the age of consent are legally unable to consent. If an adult has sex with them, it is known as "statutory rape". In some places, teenagers who are about the same age can agree to have sex with each other. This is known as the "Romeo and Juliet" clause.

Adults who cannot consent

Some adults are unable to consent to sex.

• People who are sleeping or unconscious cannot consent to sexual intercourse.
• People who are under the influence of certain drugs may be unable to consent to sex. They may be unable to walk, may slur speech, or may be confused.
• People suffering from certain illnesses or disabilities are unable to consent, even though they may legally be adult. These conditions affects their thinking. They may not know what sex is, or they may be unable to judge the consequences of having sex. They may seem confused or unsure. Developmental disabilities, mental illness, and brain injuries can make a person unable to consent. A court may find someone unable to consent.

Marital rape

Marital rape is where the victim of rape is married to the person committing the rape. Unconsenting sex with a married partner is thought to be rape under the laws of some countries but not others. In the United Kingdom, marital rape was determined to be a crime in the case of R v. R (1991).

Effects of rape

Rape is a medical emergency. People who are raped may be injured or have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). People may not know they are hurt or sick. Doctors can give medicine to treat an STD. HIV, an STD, can be prevented by early treatment. If seen quickly, a doctor can give medication called emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.

At the hospital police can collect evidence from the victim and his/her clothing. Evidence may help find the rapist, and can help him/her go to jail. Waiting too long makes it hard to collect evidence. Also, taking a shower before telling the police or going to a hospital can wash off some of the DNA evidence.

Victims of rape may feel scared or sad, or even guilty. They may think about the rape a lot, even when they do not want to. They may have nightmares about the rape. Many have post-traumatic stress disorder. Being raped during childhood or adolescence often causes borderline personality disorder. Talking to someone, like a counselor, can help. Sometimes doctors can give medicine to decrease fear and sadness. Calling a rape crisis center or hotline can help a victim find help.

Other websites

• International Rape Crisis Hotlines The is a list of International Rape Crisis Hotlines from Rape Crisis Information
• University of California, Santa Barbara's SexInfo This article discusses different types of rape including date rape, gang rape, marital rape, prison rape, acquaintance rape, and wartime rape.
• Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network RAINN is the largest anti-sexual assault organization.