Virtual Rape Is Traumatic, but Is It a Crime?

[cariad]

I know it's an argument of semantics but it's the word 'rape' I struggle to accept.

I fully agree - is why I suggested it should be a act of abuse not of rape. As you say, a question of semantics, but which can sometimes be helpful and sometimes misleading. (Just to further muddy the waters, were 'virtual rape' to be considered to rape, then there should certainly not be any doubt that male is real - which is a hotly argued topic.)

However, this type of harm caused to the victim is the result of a sudden and unexpected physical assault. Is it possible to mentally assault somebody this quickly online?

'Traditional' rape does not have to be sudden or unexpected, and is quite often not. But then since I have already said that I believe it would be an act of abuse rather than of rape, that is irrelevant.

When people are abused online, whether it's bullying or stalking, it's considered to be a crime when there is a pattern to the abuse. In other words, there is a time factor involved, and laws already exist to punish people who engage in patterns of abuse.

Which only leaves the question of whether 'virtual rape' is bullying. It is not something I have experienced, nor have I spoken to anyone who has, but I would err on the side of it being bullying.

In a case where an individual believes they have been emotionally violated after a single encounter, I believe that person should be counselled to overcome their upset. If the person responsible for causing this upset is caught, I don't believe their reprimand should be severe unless it can be shown they habitually behave in this manner online.

anonymouse

Whilst on the matter of symantics, I have to pick up your use of the word 'should' in 'that person should be counselled'. That makes it sound like a punishment for the victim. Yes, they should be offered it, but effective counselling is challenging and often painful for the counsellee, and should only be undertaken voluntarily and when the person is ready. Will go with 'they should be offered counselling', which I suspect is what you meant anyway.

And as for punishement - well that is whole new can of worms.

Suspecting we are having a heated agreement,
cariad