Since meeting Shannon, my girlfriend, she has educated me on a largely unknown world where rape, torture, human trafficking, and abuse are commonplace. It is a world where children are taken from their families and sold into slavery and prostitution. As a professional social worker, she is passionate about Refuge Foster Care, and I want to share that passion with her. I have, since our meeting, reexamined my understanding on the topic, which was minimal.

I recently came across an article published by the Huffington Post. The FBI has taken the initiative to redefine it’s definition and position on rape. The definition formerly stated “carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will”. One can see how this definition leaves much unsaid. Statistics show that many victims of rape go unnoticed and the perpetrator unpunished.

This past Tuesday, the FBI met and redefined 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 author of the article states, “This new definition expands the old one by taking out the requirement of a ‘forcible’ assault and the restriction that the attack must be toward a woman. It also now includes non-vaginal/penile rape and rape by a blood relative.” As hinted by the quote, rape encompasses both men and women, girls and boys. It also addresses the issue of consenting to the acts.

The definition needs final approval by the FBI Director, but I think it is a call to us to think more about the subject of rape and its impact on our culture and those around the world. It is a very real and serious issue, which we need to address, even within the church. According to the International Justice Mission website, “At least one out of every three women in the world has been raped, beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise violently abused in her lifetime.” in thinking about the church, how many people are victims of rape in the congregation and receive no care from the body of Christ?

If you want to read the full article, click here. There is also a great article published on The Resurgence website, which addresses the issue of sexual assault. It can be found here.

How can you get involved? First, make yourself approachable and available for people who are suffering. You, personally, may not be equipped to handle such circumstances, but there are people who can. Secondly, know the resources. Rape is prevalent in cultures all over the world, and there are people who counsel victims on a regular basis. There are both local and national organizations. The banner on this blog is one of the major organizations. Lastly, either speak out against it or consider becoming a parent to a child victim or mentor to an adult victim. Let’s commit ourselves to loving those around us, caring for the wounded and broken-hearted.