I wrote the following piece for Factoidz about a week ago. The response has been interesting. Since publishing the article several people have emailed me. I've heard from victims, offenders, family and friends of each and professionals by email.
By and large the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. There seems to be some general confusion when it comes to the difference between rape and consent when alcohol is involved. Ultimately, this misunderstanding ruins lives.
In a nutshell, a person who is intoxicated cannot consent to sex. Nope. Nada. Zip. Zilch. No consent.
This link in the article points to a Vanderbilt University paper. It gives a very clear definition on rape.
According to the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) 1:6 women and 1:33 men will be sexually assaulted in her or his lifetime. Women who are college age are most at risk. Alcohol is often a factor. Read more here: Alcohol related sexual assault; It's not sex if a person is intoxicated
