Rape VS Statutory Rape

The definition of statutory rape is illegal sexual activity between two people when it would otherwise be legal if not for their age. In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. The actual ages for these laws vary greatly from state-to-state, as do the punishments for offenders. Most states just refer to this as rape, and this usually means any sexual contact not just penetration. The word rape brings to mind a horrible violent act but according to the laws of most states it can be rape to for a young man age 18 to date and for example kiss and have contact with a 15 year old young lady. I have mixed feelings about this and don’t necessarily think that a young man should be labeled a sex offender for dating a girl slightly younger than him. The criminal act of rape impacts the criminal justice system by more volume of cases than there would be if we just recognized the actual criminal rapes, instead of the young people dating people that are still minors. In my opinion there is a huge difference between rape and statutory rape. The issue of consent is one thing to consider, some states have an age of consent which allows them to come to a certain age and then consent to sexual activity. It is not illegal to date someone who is a minor as long as there is no sexual contact; this is a good clean option for young people though not a very realistic option. Being the mother of 4 children 3 of which are girls I very much support abstinence, but when it comes down to it they will do what they choose and hopefully that is the right choice. I think it is very important to briefly teach our children the legal consequences of sexual contact with a partner that is under age or over eighteen.