The Justice Department showed remarkable progress when it decided to change the definition of rape to include men and any act of forcible penetration.
CNN reported that the Justice Department, in an initiative led by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, reformed its definition of rape which was “the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly and against her will.”
This excluded the troubling possibilities of rape male by male and female by female and females raping men.
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The new definition is definitely more concerned with both genders, it states “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” is rape.
Eric Holder spoke on the progress made saying:
“These long overdue updates to the definition of rape will help ensure justice for those whose lives have been devastated by sexual violence and reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to standing with rape victims… This new, more inclusive definition will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the scope and volume of these crimes.”
Vice-President Joe Biden also had a word to say about the reform stating:
“Rape is a devastating crime and we can’t solve it unless we know the full extent of it… 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.”
The last time the definition of rape was changed was in 1927. Much credit must be given to the Justice Department and Eric Holder for taking this initiative.
