Hasbeen: “You only have to watch a bit of TV to realise that many ladies these days, go out on Friday & Saturday nights to get laid.

These days? THESE DAYS!? Far as I can tell from my family history my nana was a right ho bag while my daughter is rather prudish in comparison. These days my left foot.

But anyhoo, Wiki says;

“Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent, such as one who is unconscious, incapacitated, or below the legal age of consent.”

Circumstances are what different sentences are for that take into account the amount of harm inflicted?

"Whether or not a woman is "unwise' in her choices, it will always be the rapist who "chooses" to rape.

Poirot, I've not seen anyone suggesting otherwise. I hope that's a given for most of us.

The bit that's the struggle is where it trying to talk about reducing the incidence of rape by encouraging some women to make wiser choices given the increased risks in some situations. I suspect that most of those making that point would not be adverse to far more serious consequences for rapists when the rape aspect is clear cut.

R0bert

Good afternoon all...

There's been some interesting views expressed here. And because the topic is relatively sensitive and one that can often precipitate both emotional as well as gender issues, I should therefore confine my own views purely from the empirical evidence that's been attained from my working days.

I generally steer clear of issues that generate heated accusations or indictments emanating from alternative (gender) groups. But the offence of Rape, knows no gender bounds.

Someone mentioned rape in gaol ? Does it occur ? Sexual assault in gaol, is alive and well. For two reasons. The first (obviously) is for a sexual release. The other reason(s) intimidation, retribution, menacing the victim, reprisals, to purposely infect a victim with a STD etc etc !

Another correspondent mentioned certain ethnic categories hold women in very low esteem, almost a chattel. This is correct. Specifically instances of rape within the marriage. Do police, receive complaints from victims within these groups ? Rarely. This particular grouping is considered, over represented in terms of being charged with this offence. Though from my knowledge, the conviction rate is no higher or lower than the mainstream of offenders, from my time at least ?

Another, feature that's quite notable within this abhorrent crime. Many victims, though initially reporting the crime, decide not to follow through, because of the trauma and shame of going to Court, and fear of reprisal, and embarrassment, even guilt ? Who on earth could EVER blame the poor woman needing to confront her assailant across a crowded Courtroom ?

I've been associated with several women who's lives and marriages have deteriorated to a point beyond redemption ! Apparently, not all spouses appreciate nor understand the horror, humiliation, and the violence that occurs in the crime of rape ?

Finally, as most of you already know, there are many instances of rape occurring, some violent - but are never reported, for a variety of reasons. Rape in marriage is a notable example of this anomaly.

In what I assume to be the subject case, the defence counsel blamed the woman and her male partner for the attack.

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/11/16452936-defense-attorney-blames-victim-in-india-gang-rape-murder-case?lite

The case is irrelevant to Australia. It is just another of the concerning aspects of many foreign cultures that we would hope are never imported to this country but could be. No Australian defence counsel would be so foolish as to blame a sexual assault victim.

Robert's point if I am reading him right is another: that idealism aside, what thinking, responsible person doesn't take risk into account to advise her/his actions?

o sung wu, "Apparently, not all spouses appreciate nor understand the horror, humiliation, and the violence that occurs in the crime of rape"

Where do you find this sort of person? Because I submit that such a person is likely to be defective in many ways. His 'insensitivity' to the rape of his wife is the tip of a large iceberg of personality problems below and probable offending in other areas (ie anti-social), which could include disregard of road laws, unethical business behaviour and so on.

It is catastrophising to speculate that such behaviour is at all common.

I think rape is more heinous than murder yet our courts seem to get some perverse sense of satisfaction when they hand out very lenient sentences. On the other hand it does also seem very easy for a woman to scream rape, especially in the morning if she feels he doesn't respect her anymore.
It's a dreadful thing & a just as deadfall dilemma to prove or disprove.