My name is Alaina. In April 2024, I was raped, even after clearly saying no—repeatedly. The perpetrator admitted in text messages that I refused. I found the strength to report what happened, and my ongoing case made it to the District Attorney’s office. But I was told they couldn’t charge it as rape under Kansas law.

Because I couldn’t prove that I was physically forced or threatened, it could only be charged as misdemeanor sexual battery—not rape. In Kansas, non-consensual sex isn’t always considered rape unless it involves force, fear, or the victim being unconscious or impaired. My repeated refusals didn’t meet that standard. If I had been just 15 minutes east in Missouri, it would have been recognized for what it was: rape.

Kansas is one of the few remaining states where a clear lack of consent alone isn’t enough for a rape charge. According to RAINN, approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the U.S. experience rape in their lifetime—but not all of these are prosecuted as rape due to outdated definitions that ignore consent.

I’m calling on Kansas lawmakers to close this gap by updating the law to define rape as any time someone engages in sex knowing the other person did not consent—just like Missouri does. When someone says no, it should be enough. No one should have to prove they were physically overpowered to be believed.

Please sign this petition to support a much-needed change in Kansas rape law. Your signature stands for justice, dignity, and the right of every Kansan to have their “no” respected.