My family's lives were forever altered when my daughter's boyfriend attempted to rape my son. This personal and painful experience has brought to light a glaring issue in our state's legal system. We tried to file attempted rape charges against him only to learn that rape in North Carolina law only recognizes vaginal penetration. He was 16 so they considered him to be the age of "consent". However, nobody would listen to my son that there WAS NO CONSENT! 

After filing a police report, a couple days later (my son did not want to be embarrassed and didn't want to tell anyone about the ordeal, but he didn't want him to be able to hurt other children because he was around smaller kids often that would not be able to fight him off.)  We learned by our local Cumberland County Magistrate's office that North Carolina law narrowly recognizes rape solely as vaginal penetration against the victim's will. There is absolutely nothing to protect males from sexual assault against their will. 

This outdated definition fails to encompass the myriad of ways in which sexual assault can occur, such as anal or oral penetration to both males and females. It also egregiously overlooks the sexual victimization of males. Men and boys are sexually assaulted daily, yet the law's current wording denies them justice unless vaginal penetration is involved.

All my children's lives I have always told them no matter what anyone ever threatens them with, they must always tell me if someone tried to hurt them or do something to them, they knew to be wrong so I could protect them. I have always instilled in them to always have the courage to come forward and do the right thing and always tell the police the truth and trust in the justice system. He did just that and our justice system failed him miserably. Now he has lost respect for not only police but the justice system all together. The police failed my son. They refused to investigate the issue fully. They only called his perpetrator to invite him in for questioning. Of course, there was no response.  To this day, not one single detail of his story has changed over 2 years later. He is still experiencing issues and stressors from this event. I went above the investigators head to her supervisor after not hearing anything from her for a follow up on his report for over a month. Next thing we knew, I got a call saying they were going to close the case without ever bringing him in for questioning at all. It was a terrible display of police work. 

The time for change is now. We must push for an expansion of the legal definition of rape in North Carolina—and any other state with similar limitations. Our legal framework should reflect the realities of all forms of sexual assault to ensure that all victims—regardless of gender or the nature of the assault—receive the justice and protection they deserve.

By updating our legal definition of rape, we send a powerful message that all forms of sexual violence are unacceptable and that all victims have the right to be heard and to seek justice. It's not just about changing words; it's about establishing a more inclusive and just legal system for everyone.

Please join me in urging our lawmakers to update this definition. Sign this petition to demand a change that could protect countless individuals and offer solace to victims, knowing that the law recognizes their suffering and stands ready to prosecute accordingly.