35 percent of over 65s surveyed believe it “isn’t rape” to have non-consensual sex with a wife or partner, compared to 16 percent of 16-24s.43 percent of people over 65 think that “in most cases” if a woman changes her mind “halfway through but the sex continues” it doesn’t count as rape. This figure contrasts with 22 percent of people aged 25 to 49.Rachel Krys, co-director of the EVAW Coalition, said in a statement that the figures are “alarming” because they show “a huge proportion of adults in Britain — who make up juries in rape trials” are not clear about what constitutes rape.”It is known that the vast majority of women who are raped know the person who raped them, but for many people, the most commonly understood scenario is a single violent incident of rape committed by a stranger on a dark street,” Krys continued.”This could help explain why juries are so reluctant to convict particularly younger men where consent is in question.”Krys noted that there’s been “a huge increase” in the number of women reporting rape and sexual violence to the police.”#MeToo has shone a light on the scale of sexual violence, and more women are seeking justice,” said Krys.
“Yet as a society we are failing to respond to this call for help, and this year the number of cases being taken forward by police and the courts fell.”
-Article By Rachel Thomson
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