When I was only 8 years old, I became a victim of sexual violence. Despite the trauma and pain that accompanied this violation, the law at the time didn’t recognize the act committed against me as rape. This absence of legal recognition still persists today, denying justice to countless victims across the United States who fall outside the limited scope of the current legal framework.

The current legal definition of rape fails to adequately protect all victims of sexual violence. Specifically, non-penetrative acts or those categorized as "made to penetrate" are classified merely as sexual assault rather than rape. This legal distinction means the criminal justice system often treats these actions less severely, and perpetrators receive lighter sentences. The incorrect classification perpetuates a harmful misconception that such violations are somehow less impactful or severe, which is simply not true.

This issue is not isolated to female victims; it equally affects male and non-binary victims. According to studies from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexual violence is a pervasive issue that does not discriminate by gender. The CDC reports indicate a significant number of these cases involve male victims, who are often pressured into silence due to stigma, fear, and legal invisibility.

Moreover, both the CDC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) currently do not comprehensively track non-penetrative sexual assault cases or adequately document the victimization of males. This oversight results in a dearth of accurate statistics, which are crucial for understanding the full scope of the problem and driving meaningful policy changes aimed at prevention and justice.

By changing the legal definition of rape to include non-penetrative sexual acts and incorporating "made to penetrate" incidents, we can ensure that every survivor receives the recognition and justice they deserve. It will also help eliminate the stigma faced by male and other non-female victims and allow for more robust data collection, contributing to better policy and awareness.

We urge lawmakers to reevaluate and revise the legal definition of rape, creating comprehensive victim protections and updating data collection practices across federal agencies. This change is essential for acknowledging the experiences and suffering of all survivors, ensuring justice, and taking definitive steps towards eradicating sexual violence.

Please join us in demanding an updated, inclusive legal definition of rape—one that acknowledges all survivors and fights against every form of sexual violence. Your signature can help give a voice to those who have been silenced for too long. Sign the petition now to support critical changes in our legal system and the way we track this devastating crime.