Calling Rape What It Is

[Content Note: Discussion of legislation regarding sexual violence.]

The US Justice Department has, after more than 80 years, changed its definition of what constitutes rape:

"The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."

Since 1927, rape has been federally defined by the US as "the carnal knowledge of a woman, forcibly and against her will. That included penetration of a woman's vagina, but excluded oral or anal penetration and the rape of men." Now, rape will not be defined by the gender of the victim nor the perpetrator. Also:

The new definition will include ... assaults in which a victim cannot give consent because the individual has been incapacitated by drugs or alcohol, is under the age of consent, or is mentally or physically incapable of consent, the Justice Department said.

"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.

While reports of rape to authorities are likely to rise, the Justice Department said that will only reflect more accurate reporting rather than the number of actual attacks increasing.

This is very good news.

[H/T to Shaker Charlie.]