Definition of Rape

Sexual Assault:This term refers to forced sexual activities, including sexual assault and intercourse between an adult and a minor. Such acts can occur between individuals of opposite genders or the same gender and may involve penetration with an erect body part or an object. Legal definitions often encompass forced oral sex and other non-consensual sexual activities. Typically, heterosexual assault involves a male attacking a female, while homosexual assault often refers to a male attacking another male. However, these terms can also apply when a female assaults a male or another female. When an adult engages in sexual activity with a minor, it is legally termed statutory rape, regardless of the minor's consent. Gang rape involves multiple perpetrators assaulting a single victim. Date rape occurs when the victim is coerced, drugged, or sedated before the assault, often within the context of dating. Perpetrators may add substances to a victim's drink to weaken their resistance or erase their memory of the event, using sedatives or sleep-inducing drugs in combination with alcohol and other drugs.Rape can also transpire within a marriage, typically when a husband forces himself upon his unwilling wife. Victims endure both physical and emotional trauma, which may include injuries like cuts and bruises, as well as feelings of shame and violation. It's crucial for victims to seek medical attention at a hospital, where they can receive treatment for physical injuries, antibiotics to prevent sexually transmitted infections, and counseling for emotional support. Medical staff can also document the victim's condition for legal documentation. The term "rape" originates from the Latin "rapere," meaning "to seize."

Medical Definition & Meaning