Revisions to the Uniform Crime Report’s Definition of Rape

As of today, the legal, U.S. definition of rape has been updated by Attorney General Eric Holder.  The new version defines rape as, "The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."

The full definition takes gender out of the equation, while also making clear that physical resistance from the victim is not the only way to demonstrate lack of consent.  It also acknowledges that physical pressure and bodily force aren't the only ways of robbing us of our sexual consent.  And quite right too.

Interestingly, Obama has named January 2012 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  Yes, sexual trafficking is a very real concern, as we know, but is not to be confused with consensual sex work.  Feministing covers this with real wisdom, here.