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Sexual Misconduct: Definitions

In the United States, the average sentence for someone convicted of rape is around 10 years. However, convicted rapists only serve an average of about 4 years in jail, because sentences are often reduced for various reasons. According to the advocacy group RAINN, only about 6 out of 1,000 rapists serve any time whatsoever. A rape conviction can trigger

the death penalty in a number of countries, including China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. A death sentence for rape in the United States was ruled unconstitutional in 1977. The 2017 protest known as Million Women Rise, in London, England, focused on ending violence against women.

but without the threat, is classified as sexual assault. So, sexual assault is a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania, while rape is a first-degree (or more serious) crime. However, what Pennsylvania calls “rape,” the state of Texas calls “aggravated sexual assault,” and Florida calls “sexual battery.” The bottom line is that sexual intercourse with a person who did not actively consent is rape. That includes situations where the person is too young to legally give consent. A 14-year-old may think he or she can give consent, but as far as the law is concerned, that’s not true. Usually, this crime is called statutory rape. Sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or otherwise incapacitated also falls under the category of rape or sexual assault. Again, different states have different standards for who is able to give consent under what circumstances.

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