What is rape (have I been raped)?
Each state law provides its own definition of rape. As such, the meaning of rape might depend on the state where the act occurs. For instance, in California, the definition of rape is many pages long, but is generally defined as sexual intercourse where any of the following apply: (1) the victim is incapable of consenting (either through alcohol, drugs, or mental incapacity); (2) the victim is coerced through force, violence, duress, or threat of physical injury; (3) the victim is sleeping or otherwise unaware of what was happening; (4) the victim is threatened with arrest or deportation. In Utah, the definition of rape is more simple. In Utah, a person commits rape when they have sexual intercourse with another person without the victim’s consent. Each term in the statute might have different definitions. For instance, some states define “intercourse” as the penetration of the anus or vagina by the penis. In other states, penetration by a finger or object is sufficient. Even if a rape
