Response to Class Discussion, 1/22

During class today, I found it very shocking considering some of the laws and statistics we discussed. However, I would like to say that I am excited for the large range of essay topics we get to choose from. During class, when we were discussing ideas, I though of what I plan on doing, so that was really helpful.

After reviewing the RAINN Statistics about rape, I was quite shocked in reading the differences between sexual assault, the different degrees, and what classifies as rape and what classifies as sexual assault. I had a really hard time understanding the difference between sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree and rape of a child in the third degree. According to Washington State Law, it classifies Rape of a Child in the Third Degree as “Engaging sexual intercourse with another one who is at least 14 years old but less than 16 years old, not married to the defendant and the defendant is at least 48 months older than the victim.” Sexual Misconduct with a Minor in the First Degree is classified as the following: “Engaging, or knowingly causing another person under the age of 18 years to engage, in sexual intercourse with another person who is at least 16 years but less than 18 years and not married to the defendant; and the defendant is:

• at least 60 months older than the victim;

• In a significant relationship to the victim; and

• Abuses a supervisory position within that relationship in order to engage, n or cause another person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual intercourse with the victim.

I guess what I found hard about this and generally with all the laws, that rape is rape right? If someone forces someone else to engage in sexual intercourse then that person is in the wrong. If that person is under the age of 18, then yes, that is rape and yes, that person should be faced with punishment - which includes prison time.

Another question that rises in my mind is what if the girl is just “crying rape?” Unfortunately, a story comes to mind, in which a family friend back in the day has gone through an exact situation like that where the girl faked it. Fortunately, the situation never got too far out of control and both parties were able to settle the differences and come to an understanding. In this particular situation, a friend of mine went home with a girl we knew of, but didn’t know. She wasn’t apart of our normal friend group, but was always believed that she had a small crush on our friend. One night, with both of them being under the influence of alcohol, he went back to her place with her and they had sex. However, the next day she confronted him and told him she was going to press charges because he raped her. Of course, in complete distress he told us about the situation and told us that is was consensual. By the end, after having many conversations and trying to save our friend’s reputation, it turned out she had a boyfriend and had cheated on him, but didn’t want to tell him the truth. In situations like that one, it was extremely lucky that our friend was able to come clean. (Plus, he is a very genuine person and none of us would ever expect him to rape a girl.) However, situations do occur like this all the time, which I believe is where we have a flaw in our legislative system. We as a society, need to find more effective ways in finding the right bad guys and saving the one’s who need it most.