WASHINGTON — The FBI is changing the definition of rape to include sexual assaults on males. Under the current definition, rape is the “carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will.”
With the new provision, rape will be considered as any kind of unwanted penetration of another person, regardless of gender, USA Today reports. The current definition means that many of the sex crimes allegedly performed by Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky would not be counted in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report.
The new definition will ensure that rape will be more accurately reported nationwide, the U.S. Department of Justice reports. The change will also acknowledge that rape with an object can be as traumatic as penile/vaginal rape, and includes instances in which the victim is unable to consent due to temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
Because the new definition is more inclusive, reported crimes of rape are likely to increase, according to the Department of Justice.
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