Chapter 1 Flashcards
(37 cards)
Why is the nature of defining sexual offenses so complex?
There is no single definition of sexual offending, but a wide range of offenses falling under the umbrella of “sex crime”
What kinds of sexual acts in the US can be defined as crimes ?
sexual acts with contact
sexual acts without contact
non-consensual
consensual
Legislation
legal norms based on age were not common until the 19th century, because proof of exact age and precise date of birth were often unavailable
What is the age of consent in the U.S.
16–18 years, use to be 10-12
What is the minimum legal age for marriage in the U.S>
varies by state, however with parents consent
What is the age difference provisions regarding statutory rape laws?
Sexual relationships between adults and juveniles who have not reached the age of consent; varies by state
What is the age difference provision regarding Statutory rape in CO?
Any actor who knowingly subjects another not his or her spouse to any sexual contact commits sexual assault on a child if the victim is less than fifteen years of age and the actor is at least four years older than the victim.
What are the variations of statutory rape laws across the nation?
Statutory rape laws – states different in the age of consent
States are different in the age-span or age-differential provisions
Definition of rape in CO?
Sex acts forced onto another person against their will or when the person is not able to give consent (either because of age or mental capability) is sexual assault in Colorado.
Is there a universal age of consent in the US, Colorado, as well as around the world?
No, each state differs and so does each country .
What are the laws on child sexual abuse?
The general features of sexual offenses can be applied to child (by legal definition, they are non-consenting persons); many states have also created additional provisions to protect children as victims
What are the laws on incest?
In the US incest is always a statutory offense, and have been prohibited since colonial time
In all states incest is a felony or, at the least, a high misdemeanour. Incestuous rape is frequently punishable with life imprisonment.
Incest between adults and juveniles under the age of consent is considered a form of child sexual abuse
What is the CO statute on child sexual abuse?
Sexual Assault on a Child by a Person in a Position of Trust in Denver is committedwhen someone in a positionof trust has any sexual contact with a child who is less than eighteen years of age.
(CRS 18-3-405),
What is the CO statute on incest?
The crime of Incest or Aggravated Incest is committed when a person has sexual contact or penetration with a relative (a child of the defendant who is under age of 21)
CRS 18-6-302 and 18-6-301
laws on incest across the nation?
In some other countries, incest between adults are legal
In all states incest is a felony or, at the least, a high misdemeanour. Incestuous rape is frequently punishable with life imprisonment.
Indecent exposure?
A person appears nude in public
Flashes one’s genitals or body parts to others
What is the CO statute on the child exploitation?
To commit internet sexual exploitation of a child the actor must try to get the child to do any of the following while interacting with the actor through the Internet or other electronic means:
expose or touch his or her intimate parts,
expose or touch another person’s intimate parts, or
observe the actor’s intimate parts.
18-3-405.4.)
Sex Trafficking
Sexual services exchanged for financial or other types
Sexual solicitation involves prostitution, online sexual relationship between adults and adolescents
Trafficked victims can be adults or minors, domestic, international
Sexting
Text nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves to others
CO statute on sexting
Some states specifically address teen sexting, others don’t; CO does not; so in Colorado, teens can be charged with significant crimes for sexting
What are the primary data sources for sex crimes in the US?
SMART
NCANDS (National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System
UCR (Uniform Crime Reports)
NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey)
NVAWS (National Violence Against Women Survey)
NISVS (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey)
NatSCEV (National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence)
What are the basic estimates of sex crimes and victims?
1/6 of women have been raped
17-22% of women have been victims of sexual assault
2-8% of men
74% of abused children know their abuser
The overall prevalence of sexual abuse of male children is 13%, and female children 30% to 40%
What are some of the problems when reporting sex crimes?
the offender is Black than White the perpetrator was 12-14 years of age there is more than one perpetrator the perpetrator is a stranger a weapon was present, particularly a firearm To prevent future violence
What are some issues of reporting sex crimes and child sexual abuse?
Victim’s relationship with the perpetrator
73% victims did not disclose the abuse when the perpetrator was a relative or stepparent
Severity of abuse
More severe, less likely to be reported
Age of victims
The older the victim, less likely to report
FEAR
