Definition of rape and its Effects
Answer Text: What is rape?It is the act of forcing another person to have sexual intercourse without her or his consent. Rape is a crime that is committed on women, girls, children, boys and even men. In traditional African society, rapists were abhorred and the crime was punished by death. In the laws of Kenya, rape is recognized as a crime under the Sexual Offences Act(2006) Section 3. The punishment for rape is 10 years to life imprisonment. Defilement of girls under 14 years of age is punishable by a maximum of 20 years to life imprisonment. The Church condemns rape as both a crime and sin. Rape does not fulfil God’s purpose for sex which is supposed to be fulfilled in marriage by a man and his wife who love each other.The effects of rape-Rape victims suffer serious physical injuries because sexual violence is usually accompanied by other forms of physical violence. Their reproductive system may be damaged and they may not be able to give birth thereafter.-The victim stands the danger of contracting Sexually TransmittedInfections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, if the rapist is infected.-A young victim of rape may find it difficult to trust any man in future and this may make her choose to never marry.-A rape victim is traumatized. She suffers embarrassment, humiliation, loneliness, guilt and shame.-The victim may also suffer post traumatic stressdisorder. This is a condition in which victims experience nightmares and fear.-Rape may result in pregnancy which may complicate matters.-Rape causes hatred between the families of the perpetrator and that of the victim.-Rape can lead to the death of the offender through vengeance by the victim’s relatives.-Rape can lead to self pity,depression and sometimes suicide.
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