Rape is rape – the problem is agreeing what it is and how to prove it. During 2021-2022, of the 70,330 rapes reported to the police in the UK only 1,378 led to a conviction. This is a conviction rate of less than 2%. Every case was, by definition, unique but there is clearly a pattern. The securing of a conviction is extraordinarily difficult.
Consent is a problematic concept and follows no consistent pattern. Post event a number of forces may come into play for the woman. Guilt, disgust, anger, revenge, fear…and more. It’s an emotional time and when emotions are aroused rational thinking may be difficult.
Above all consent may be very subjective and will often be one person’s view/opinion against another’s. Sexual arousal lifts us, mostly pleasurably, momentarily into a different world. The pursuit of satisfaction can be an overwhelming driver and when the male’s need and action exceeds that of the female’s consent can be a very grey area indeed.
All of the above is in no way intended to exculpate rapists. It’s a hideous crime , but sometimes a very hard one to prove.
Paddy’s Blogs in a crazy world 