Answer:
The previous definition of r4pe, which was used by the federal government for nearly eight decades until 2013, defined r4pe as “a female forcibly and against her will”. The new definition of r4pe, which is found in Figure 3.1, removes the words “forcibly” and “against her will” and instead uses the term “without consent”.
In my opinion, the new definition of r4pe is more representative of the crime than the previous definition because it emphasizes the lack of consent and focuses on the victim's choice, rather than solely on the use of force. By removing the words “forcibly” and “against her will”, the new definition of r4pe is more inclusive, as it makes clear that r4pe does not necessarily involve physical violence. It also acknowledges that consent can be given or denied for a variety of reasons, such as fear, coercion, or incapacity due to age or disability.
The consequences of removing “forcibly” and “against her will” from the previous definition of r4pe are significant. By providing a more inclusive definition of r4pe, victims are more likely to feel comfortable coming forward and reporting the crime. This can help create an environment where victims feel supported and where perpetrators of the crime can be brought to justice. Additionally, the new definition of r4pe can help raise awareness of the issue, as it draws attention to the fact that r4pe is not always accompanied by physical force, and can therefore be committed even in the absence of physical violence. Finally, the new definition of r4pe can help reduce the stigma associated with r4pe, as it emphasizes the importance of consent rather than focusing on the use of force.