Prohibited Sexual Behavior and Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence: Rape: Female Victims: The Essence of Rape

Today, it is well understood that not only vaginal, oral, or anal penetration of a victim’s body constitutes rape. Any kind of sexual intercourse without valid consent of the partner is rape. It is the lack of consent that makes it a crime. The defining characteristic of rape, therefore, is not a particular sexual act, but the violation of a person’s physical and psychological integrity.

The essence of rape is violence and the abuse of power. It is not an expression of uncontrollable desire or sexual exuberance, but a manifestation of anger and hatred.

For the victim of rape, therefore, the greatest trauma is not any “sexual” detail, but the experience of violence, helplessness, and denigration.