Japan’s parliament has passed legislation redefining rape and raising the age of consent from 13 to 16.
Driving the news: The changes come after four years of protests called the Flower Demo, focused on sexual violence and acquittals in rape cases.
* Rape is now defined as nonconsensual sexual intercourse, removing the provisions regarding use of force.
* The law recognizes nonconsensual acts such as assaults under the influence of alcohol, drugs, fear, or intimidation.
By the numbers: One in 14 women in Japan have been raped or sexually assaulted, but less than half of survivors report the crime, according to a 2021 survey from the Gender Equality Bureau.
More work needed: Advocacy group Spring says the statute of limitations should be extended even longer to rectify Japan’s history of dismissing victims.
* The country also passed legislation against “upskirting,” which can now be punishable by up to three years in prison.
Limits remain: Sexual intercourse with a child between 13 and 15 is only considered a crime if the partner is five or more years older.
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