What is rape?
Legally, rape is defined as sexual penetration without consent. This includes penetration of the vagina or anus with any body part or object along with oral penetration by a sex organ without consent.
New York State Law for Rape:
First Degree: Class B Felony
Engaging in sexual intercourse with another person:
- ✿ By forcible compulsion; or
- ✿ Who is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless; or
- ✿ Who is less than eleven years old; or
- ✿ Who is less than thirteen years old and the actor is eighteen years old or more
Second Degree: Class D Felony
Engaging in sexual intercourse with another person:
- ✿ Who is less than fifteen years old and the actor is eighteen years old or more; or
- ✿ Who is incapable of consent by reason of being mentally disabled or mentally incapacitated; or
Third Degree: Class E Felony
Engaging in sexual intercourse with another person:
- ✿ Who is incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than seventeen years old; or
- ✿ Who is less than seventeen years old and the actor is twenty-one years old or more; or
- ✿ Without such person’s consent where such lack of consent is by reason of some factor other than incapacity to consent
Rape is most often done by someone the victim knows.
A lot of the time, this means someone the victim is in a relationship with.
So rape can occur in a relationship?
Yes. Consent is required repeatedly so no matter what relationship you may hold or how many times you have sex - if it’s not given in the instance, it’s rape. If you have to be convinced, or if your partner threatens to break up with you, it’s rape. If sexual relationships with your partner make you uncomfortable in any way, it’s time to have a conversation. Any discomfort is valid.
What to do if you are raped:
- ✿ Go to the doctor immediately. Not only can they treat you physically, they can provide emotional support and may be able to get genetic information about your abuser.
- ✿ Tell someone. As cliche as it is, tell someone you trust.
- ✿ Look for help. Talking to a therapist...
Sources: RAINN
