Before This Week the FBI Asserted } Men Can Not Be Raped

Did you know that before this week, the FBI didn't recognize that men could be raped? Since 1927, rape has been defined by the FBI as the "carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will." But thanks to a new provision, that definition is finally being updated. "Rape is a devastating crime and we can't solve it unless we know the full extent of it,'' said Vice President Joe Biden, who worked closely with advocates on the issue. "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 definition will now read: “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.” Attorney General Eric Holder called the change "long overdue'' and added that the new provision will "provide us with a more accurate understanding of the scope and volume of these crimes.''

Nearly one in five women and one in 71 men in the U.S. have been raped at some time in their lives, according to a 2010 survey by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which used a broader definition.

This new definition is particularly important in light of the Jerry Sandusky case. The former Penn. State football coach has been accused of sexually abusing at least 10 male victims. Sandusky’s accusers would not be considered rape victims under the FBI’s old definition. Gothamist.com

 

Congo: Male Rape Victims

Jehad Nga for The New York Times

Clockwise from top left, Kazungu Ziwa, Shabani Lufuno, Ngabu Bita and Matata Badoda. All are Congolese men who were recently raped and agreed to be photographed