Today’s criminal laws define rape as an act of non-consensual penetration, regardless of the gender or relationship between the individuals involved. Rape occurs in various forms, including acquaintance rape, date rape, marital rape, and stranger rape. This crime may affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background.
Sexual consent refers to a voluntary agreement given by a person list of armenia whatsapp phone numbers capable of giving consent to engage in sexual activity. It is a clear and affirmative expression of willingness that must be freely given and cannot be coerced or forced in any way.
The law does not recognize someone below the age of consent as being able to consent to sexual activity. The age of sexual consent at the federal level is 18 but can vary slightly by state.
The definition of statutory rape is when a person engages in sexual activity with someone below the age of consent. Statutory rape occurs regardless of whether the perpetrator was aware of their age or believed the other party was old enough to consent. The statutory rape definition imposes strict liability on the offender.
Those who intentionally seek out or engage in unlawful sexual activity with a minor face even harsher penalties under federal law.