Do you think if sex were held more sacred in society that rapists would receive tougher sentences?

Question

Please feel free to discuss your own society/country and whether or not you feel that the sentences given to rapists are appropriate and if you think your society's view of sex contributes to the laws pertaining to rape or sexual molestation.

For this question "sacred" doesn't necessarily mean within marriage or heterosexual. My intention is not to start a battle regarding these two issues.

Thank you for your responses, but I am not referring to the rapist's motivation to rape. I am referrring to the justice system.

Anank402, very good point! People do need to be held in higher esteem.

NaomiR, I suppose that's possible. In the US rapists could receive a much tougher sentences for simply carrying a weapon. This may increase the number of rapes because the rapist figures that if caught the sentence wouldn't be that bad considering what they got out of it (power, etc.).

DesertWildflower, indeed it's not just sex that should be more respected, it's women (people) as well.

DesertWildflower, I believe that among the reasons why some women may be looked upon as liars is because there are women who have lied about being raped.

(Not directed towards DesertWildflower) It's bad enough that there are women who are not treated with respect because they live in a patriarchal society, but to have other women before them cast doubt on women as a whole is irresponsible and very sad.

Answer 1

Maybe but probably not...in almost all cases rape is not motivated by a desire to have sex with the person, but rather a desire to inflict pain, control, and humiliate the person

Answer 2

Sex was once a more respected act that it is now, and that didn't cause rapists to receive tougher sentences - rather, in that framework, the women usually accusing were deemed as liars and story tellers, or whores.

This is still true. Especially when a woman chooses not to follow up immediately after a rape - be it shock, trauma, whatever - and get medical attention or a rape kit, it is a case of word against word.

And, for some reason - society still deems that it is shameful for a woman (or man I'm assuming especially - but, I can't speak for them) to speak up about the situation as well, so the whole process can be rather degrading, whether the case was date rape, an attack, or something in between. Discussing it can often be more traumatizing than pushing it aside sometimes - especially if every time people seem to take the whole think in disbelief, or blame the individual who was victimized.

Answer 3

I don't think it's sex that has to be held more sacred. rape is usually about power and anger, not sex. I think people have to be held in higher esteem (I say people and not women because men are raped too). I think if we really understood what that does to a person, then we'd feel more outrage and give a better punishment!

Answer 4

This is an outstanding question! I have never looked at the topic the way you have, and I will have to think about it.

My initial reaction is that not only is sex not sacred, but human life isn't either. So very sad. (I live in the USA)

Thank you for such a though-provoking question! I love it.

Answer 5

if sentences were too tough rapists might end up killling their victims when their done to prevent from being identified later on..