rape

In law, sexual intercourse without the consent of the subject. Most cases of rape are of women by men. In Islamic law a rape accusation requires the support of four independent male witnesses.

Rape and sexual abuse are systematically used in many countries, such as Pakistan, against women in police custody; and in warfare, to intimidate civilian populations and force ethnic groups to flee. Tens of thousands of women were raped in the conflicts in former Yugoslavia.

Some jurisdictions allow charges of rape to be brought against husbands replacing older legal doctrine asserting a wife's duty to submit to sex with her spouse. Sexual intercourse with a minor, not necessarily involving penetration, is defined as statutory rape (see child abuse).

In August 1996 legislation requiring the chemical castration of repeat sex offenders was approved in California, USA. Under the new law offenders will be given periodic injections of drugs designed to reduce their testosterone levels. Alternatively, they can choose to undergo surgical castration. The legislation is considered as the toughest yet taken against sex offenders but is being challenged by civil-rights groups.