The Concept Of Rape

Rape has become the most violent and common crime in America and even more so on college campuses (Acquaintance 1). But, what is rape and how does consent apply to it? Rape is not the issue however, it is the concept of consent. Most people who commit rape do not know they are committing the crime because they do not know what true consent is. Although college policies have differences, most colleges around the world and the laws define rape or sexual assault in a similar fashion. Columbia college defines sexual violence as “physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent” (Columbia 3). Similarly, the policy from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education states “…any kind of sexual

Gray rape is defined by Cosmopolitan Magazine as “sex that falls between consent and denial..” (Gray 1). An example of this is in the play “Tape” by Steven Belber. The storyline is about two friends who discuss an incident that happened 10 years prior. The main character,Vince, tries to convince his friend, Jon, that he did, in fact, rape Amy. But was it really rape? Jon explains they “were both drunk” and he doesn’t consider it to be rape (Tape 20). He goes on to admit that he eventually coerced her verbally to have sex with him but Amy herself doesn’t consider it rape either (Tape

It is called “yes means yes” or “affirmative consent”. This can be defined as “an unambiguous and voluntary agreement to engage in a specific sexual activity” (Columbia 2). Or, in simple terms “exchange of affirmative words or actions, which indicate… mutually agreed upon sexual activity” by all people participating (Equal 19). Some examples of situations that DO qualify as consent or having a case include: no DNA evidence, not fighting back, incapacitation (under the influence, unconscious), no witness, lack of injuries, etc (About 2). Depending on where the university is located, the Title IX policies will differ. However, the one thing that is similar with all policies is that any unwanted sexual act is