Statutory Rape?

Question

I need someone who really knows this stuff well. My boyfriend is 18 and im 16. I hear that as long as your less then 5 years apart, it's not Statutory Rape. Then i hear, 16 is the legal age where you arent considered a victim of Statutory Rape anymore. But, my brother and his wife said that if my boyfriend touches me sexually, theyll "take him down". Everyone, including my guy friends are getting on his back and i just want to know the truth of what it is, so i can prove to everyone that their wrong, or take this stuff into consideration. Help....

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I live in california and its not considered Rape! Its called Statuory Rape... theres a huge difference!!
If you dont know the answer, please dont say anything! Thanks you

Answer 1

People seem to have trouble with this, but as long as no one sees or hears you doing anything, or finds any evidence afterwards, and neither one of you tell anyone, ever, then no one will ever know and the police will never get involved in your private affairs. But I don't think most people are mature enough to take these steps. Not getting pregnant will also help. If anyone asks, "mind your own business" is sufficient.

In California both parties have to be 18 before sex is legal. Otherwise the older one will be prosecuted if anyone happens to see you two doing it or one of you confesses for some reason. http://www.sexlaws.org/california_statutory_rape

Answer 2

It's different in every state. There is no set answer. Most people do not know what statutory rape is or why it's called that. Chances are your boyfriend is guilty of statutory rape, especially if you had sex...ANY kind of sex...before you were 16. There are some laws that decrease the penalty if one person is a minor and the other is within a year or two in age. But again, they vary from state to state. This kind of crime is very common, and is seldom prosecuted. However, remember that anyone can make a statement to the police if they suspect statutory rape, and the police must act on it once the report is made. If you have people who are taking this much interest, you have to assume that there is some criminal responsibility here, and that if they find out about it, they will file a complaint.

Remember, if he even KISSES you there may be some sexual assault charges. Some states are very archaic about this. I'm not saying I agree that an 18 and 16 year old are not mature enough to date or have a relationship. But the law in most cases says you are not. Sorry, but you asked.

EDIT FOR ASKER:

Statutory rape IS rape. Dont let the "statutory" fool you. Someone convicted of this crime has to register as a sex offender and is tracked for the rest of their life. Also, do NOT rely on wikepedia for a legal opinion. That is just asking for trouble. I was a DA in Ventura County. I havent been there in years so I will not quote laws I havent seen in quite some time. And I'm not going to do legal research right now. But I can tell you that depending upon where you are, prosecutors in California take this crime VERY seriously. Best to keep your mouth shut and lay low until you are of age. The law is designed to protect you. Believe it or not, there are girls your age who simply are not capable of making an informed opinion on mature relationships. What is more, YOU may be one of them. So while the law seems unreasonable to you, it may just be that you may actually benefit from it in the long run.

Answer 3

It really just depends on your state.
I know my state allows 16 year olds to go out with people that are up to 24. BUT, they have to have parental consent.
And, sexual activity is considered statutory rape in my state if they're under 18.

So go on google, and look up the statutory rape laws in your state.

Answer 4

No matter what state you live in; if you're under 16 and some guy over 16 has sex with you - it is 'Statutory Rape'!
Rape is when a guy forces himself on you, demands sex while you continuly say NO - as long as it's against your wishes (no matter what age you are - even if you're married) it is RAPE!
To be completely safe - do NOT have sex until you are married and it's something you both really want to do.

Answer 5

In California, "The age of consent is 18, with a misdemeanor if the minor has less than 3 years of difference with the major. Penalties increase if the minor is under 16 and the major is above 21."

See the link in the source area for more information.

Answer 6

I live in Florida and don't believe there is a limitation Florida Stat. Ann. §775.15 No statute of limitations for sex battery if victim reported the offense within 72 hours. Florida S 698 (2001) Tolls the statute of limitation until a victim of a sexual offense reaches age 18 when the victim is a minor, or until they report it to authorities, whichever happens first.

Answer 7

it's not the difference of years in your ages. statutory rape is statutory rape. i dont know where you live; the age of consent varies. easiest way to figure it out is google "age of consent in (your state). if you aren't that age yet, your bf has something to worry about. if you are that age, you're fine.

Answer 8

Statutory rape laws vary by state. Just don't have sex until you're married. That way you don't have to worry about getting pregnant, and him going to jail.

Answer 9

i think the legal age of consent is 18 in the us. in other countries not sure, so im pretty sure its considered rape until your 18

Answer 10

It totally depends on state laws. if that is void, then it depends on your parents choice. being four years apart isnt that bad (hell, my parents are 5 years apart and happily married), but you still young and vulnerable. Most importantly, make sure he's not taking advantage of you.