What is the extent of legal self-defense when being raped or someone is attempting to rape you?

Answer 1

In general, the rule is that you are justified in using whatever force you feel necessary to protect yourself. The caveat here is that if you are in a place other than your home and you can safely protect yourself by retreating - then you must at least attempt to retreat first.

Answer 2

While the laws vary by state, generally rape is considered serious bodily injury, which allows lethal self defense.

In other words, the harm for being raped is considered equivalent to someone threatening your life, and thus you are allowed to respond with deadly force to PREVENT being rape -- not to punish someone after the fact for doing it.

But, check with your local police or district attorney to find out if the laws in your state are different.

Answer 3

Check with your local law enforcement.
The rules change from state to state.
Personally I would use whatever force is necessary to stop such an event. I mean I would rather stand before a judge to face the charges then get raped and possibly even killed.
You should consider a rape an attack on your life and use whatever means is available to you to prevent it.

Answer 4

Most if not all states permit you to defend yourself. The question is how much? It is further compounded by the fact that once the attack ceases you must stop defending yourself.

I would also think that common sense would have to enter into the situation. If you maim a would be rapist by damaging his genitals, I don't think a jury would ever convict you.

Answer 5

If a man is raping you , will he stop there? Will he let you live so that you can identify him later? I would not take the chance - do what ya' gotta' do. If you don't I will!