Attorney General Eric Holder this morning announced a strong new definition of rape which will help ensure sexual assaults are more accurately reported.
The new definition includes any gender of victim and perpetrator, not just women being raped by men, in order to make reporting more comprehensive and send a message that perpetrators of sexual violence will be held accountable regardless of the nature of their crime. This marks a victory for survivors of rape and their advocates, and was crafted in close consultation with some of the nation’s leading law enforcement organizations.
“Today’s announcement is a positive step forward,” Senator Coons said. “In addition to protecting the civil rights of sexual assault survivors, no matter their gender or the circumstances of their attack, this new definition will be a powerful tool for our hardworking law enforcement officers in Delaware and around the country.”
The change in definition announced today will address the current problem of national rape statistics being both inaccurate and undercounted. Due to the more inclusive new definition, reported crimes of rape will increase, but it is important to remember this does not indicate more crimes are being committed, only that existing crimes will now be more accurately reported.
The new definition is supported by a variety of law enforcement agencies, including the National Sheriffs Association, National Association of Police Organizations, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major City Chiefs, Major County Sheriffs, and the Police Executive Research Forum. Chris is a founder and co-chair of the U.S. Senate Law Enforcement Caucus.
The change in definition was due in part to the hard work of the Office of Violence Against Women, which was established in the landmark 1994 Violence Against Women Act, which must be reauthorized this year. Chris is a strong supporter of its reauthorization.
Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on the Violence Against Women Act.