The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is considering expanding its definition of rape, which hasn’t changed in more than 80 years.

 

FBI officials met recently with members of the Police Executive Research Forum, which includes police representatives from major cities, and victims’ advocates to discuss the broadening of rape’s definition. Women’s groups especially have complained that the FBI’s narrow definition of the crime has led to the underreporting of rape cases in the U.S.

 

Currently, rape is defined as “the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will.” But that only includes vaginal intercourse. Advocates are urging the FBI to expand the definition to include oral and anal rape, attacks with foreign objects and sexual assaults on men.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

What Constitutes Rape? (by Julia Dahl, Salon)

Rape Definition Too Narrow in Federal Statistics, Critics Say (by Erica Goode, New York Times)